Rental Fraud on the Rise Facebook and Gumtree Scams Prey on Desperate Tenants

Searching for affordable rental accommodation has never been more challenging, with rents climbing steadily across the UK. In London, tenants now pay nearly £1,000 for the smallest of spaces, pushing many to look outside traditional channels for a place to call home. Unfortunately, this desperation is now being exploited by a new wave of rental fraudsters operating across online platforms.

Young people have become the primary victims of these scams, accounting for three-quarters of reported rental fraud cases, according to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. A staggering £9 million was lost last year in nearly 5,000 reported incidents, with social media and small-scale listing sites like Gumtree emerging as the most common channels for scammers.

The typical scam starts with an advert for an unusually cheap property posted on platforms such as Facebook rental groups or Gumtree. The fraudster, posing as a landlord, often claims to have a flat, studio, or room available at an enticing rate. Once a prospective tenant expresses interest, contact details are exchanged, and the supposed current tenant provides further details about the property—sometimes even offering a well-produced video tour.

Any attempt to arrange a viewing is met with excuses. The scammer may claim to be out of the country, dealing with a family emergency, or simply overwhelmed with other commitments. Yet the pressure to pay a deposit quickly is relentless, with warnings that failure to do so will mean losing out to another hopeful renter. In some cases, scammers have even gone as far as showing families around properties before disappearing with their money.

To avoid falling victim, tenants should refuse to pay any deposit before physically viewing the property. It is also crucial to ask for proof of ownership or the landlord’s legal right to let. Use a tenancy agreement as a safeguard before handing over any payment. On social media and listing sites, check how long the landlord’s profile has been active and whether they are advertising multiple similar properties. A quick search of the landlord’s name or claims of membership in the NRLA can expose discrepancies. Report any suspicious activity to the platform in question.

This trend highlights the importance of vigilance and due diligence in the rental market. While the housing crisis creates pressure, remaining cautious is essential to avoid becoming the next victim of sophisticated rental fraud.