Flatmate-finding websites are a popular way of advertising a spare room. But beware. There’s always a chance that when you place an advert for a flatmate you’ll get a scammer responding to your ad.

They’re not interested in being your new flatmate; their only interest is in scamming you out of your money.

The scammer will contact you saying that they are interested in the room you have available. They will then send an overpayment for the first month’s rent and bond in the form of a cheque.

The scammer will then ask for a partial refund (their overpayment minus the bond). After you’ve refunded the money, you’ll find the original cheque has bounced.

Variations

Or it may be that the scammer is the one advertising a room available. They will request money up front for a bond or first few weeks rent before you have even looked at the room.

Don’t respond – it’s scam. Any genuine person would expect you to visit the property first.

Stay Safe

Be wary of people wanting to rent a room without seeing it first. Even if they claim it’s because they are currently overseas. Would you ever rent a room without looking at it?

Report any attempted fraud or suspicious emails to the website the scammer is using. Many flatmate-seeking websites have a facility for this.

Don’t respond – even as a joke: it confirms your email address, and could make you a repeat target for fraudsters.

Don’t be pressured into making decisions.

Never send personal, credit card or online account details through an email.

Help Keep Others Safe:

If you have received this kind of scam letter, please share your story here. We will treat your email in the strictest confidence and remove your personal details before posting your story on our site.