If it's too good.....

Rental scams are becoming more prevalent. It seems that everyone knows someone that has been scammed.

The scams vary but in almost every case there is very little that can be done legally and the victims are left homeless and out of pocket.

Rental properties are hard to come by and if it sounds to good to be true then be more vigilant.

Bogus agents with what appears to be legitimate identification and documentation ask for large deposits to be paid immediately in order to secure the lease. Once the deposit has been paid the prospective tenant then approaches the agency to sign the lease, view the rental and collect the keys only to discover that the agent doesn't work there and their deposit is gone.

There are a number of ways that prospective tenants get scammed. Another scenario is a "friend" of the landlord or rental agent advertises on social media and once the property has been viewed and a rental application made. The potential tenant is advised that the lease has been approved and a deposit should be made in order to secure the rental. Once the deposit has been made the prospective tenant is unable to contact the "friend" and discovers that the property isn't being rented.

Here are a few tips to ensure you aren't scammed:

• Never give any personal information to anyone via email or on the phone unless you have met them and verified who they are.

• When renting directly from the landlord ensure that they do actually own the property.

• Always ask to read the lease before signing it and always insist on signing a lease.

• when depositing into an account ensure that it is in fact the Agencies account or the landlords account and has been verified by their banker's.

• If the rental has been advertised as a "special deal" contact the agency and verify the agent and that the property is being rented.

• Don't make any payments until you have viewed the property.

• If it has been advertised on social media it still needs to be verified.

• Don't feel pressured to make a payment to secure the rental as there has been many applicants.