What is rental fraud?

Rental fraud is a scam that takes an upfront payment for a property that does not exist or is not available to rent. Report Fraud warns that criminals copy genuine property listings. 1

The person taking your money may stop responding after receiving it. View the property before paying. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. A criminal advertises a property using a false or copied listing. 1
  2. You are asked for money before verifying the property. 1
  3. The criminal takes payment and stops contact. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes fake rental adverts made from genuine listings. Its advice is to check the address and photographs against information elsewhere. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • The listing’s photographs appear under another address. 1
  • You are asked to pay before an in-person viewing. 1
  • The supposed landlord cannot resolve doubts about the property. 1

What to do now

  1. Contact your bank if you paid a suspected fraudulent landlord. 12
  2. Keep the advert and payment details for your report. 134

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 25
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 56
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 6
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 7

How can you protect yourself?

  • View the property yourself, or ask someone you trust to view it. 1
  • If arriving from overseas, ask your university or employer for accommodation advice. 1

Frequently asked questions

Should I view before paying?

Yes. Report Fraud recommends an in-person viewing before contracts or payment. 1

Can a real property appear in a fake advert?

Yes. Criminals can copy details from a genuine rental listing. 1

What if I am arranging a UK home from overseas?

Report Fraud recommends seeking help from the university or employer you are joining. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Rental fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Work from home scams. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Guide to reporting cyber crime & fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).