Southsea teenager defrauded out of £1,000 in bogus property scam

The scam was reported to police on Thursday (December 3) and involved a house in Milton which ‘had been advertised for rent on social media fraudulently’.

Unfortunately the teenager had paid the deposit only to find out it was a scam. While investigations are ongoing Hampshire Constabulary are warning people to remain vigilant about rental fraud.

Particular care should be taken when ‘renting property advertised via social media’.

Police investigator Catherine Cole said: ‘We are asking those looking for rental properties to be aware and report to us if you’ve seen or been involved in anything that has made you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.

‘We urge you not to feel pressured into transferring large sums of money. Until you’re certain that the advertiser is genuine, don’t send any money to anyone advertising rental properties online.’

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Hampshire Constabulary’s Action Fraud team advise potential residents to ‘ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as gas and electricity’ and to not pay any money until you have ‘visited the property with an agent or the landlord’.

Anyone who has information on this crime or other fraudulent activity is asked to call 101 and quote reference 44200467397.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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