- Scammers target vulnerable Western Australians looking for a rental
- More than $50,000 lost to rent scams last year
- Inspect inside the property before paying and beware of unusually cheap rent
The Cook Government is warning Western Australian renters to watch out for scammers posing as landlords in online marketplaces and on social media platforms.
WA ScamNet, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection division, has received a growing number of reports from victims who paid money to secure a rental only to discover they had been scammed.
A total of $51,875 was stolen from 20 victims last year, which surpasses the 16 victims and $39,935 in losses reported for the entirety of 2024.
Typically, the scammers pretend to be private landlords who lure their victims with low rent prices and stolen photos of real properties.
Victims are given an address to do a drive-by, but any request to inspect inside is met with excuses. They will be pressured to pay a bond and upfront rent by bank transfer and to add credibility the scammer may also use fake rental agreements with the Western Australian Government logo.
The scam is only revealed once it is time to collect the keys and the victim discovers the property is occupied, or even for sale. The scammer disappears, and the money is gone.
Tips to avoid a rental scam:
- be suspicious of properties being rented for well below the current rental value;
- never solely rely on photos provided to you, and do a reverse image search;
- look up the property on real estate websites and contact previous listing agents - scammers will often steal the images from recent adverts;
- be cautious if the same email address is linked to multiple rental listings;
- always inspect the property prior to signing a lease agreement or paying money;
- only deal with landlords you can meet face-to-face, or go through a licensed real estate agent;
- ensure you receive the keys and a copy of the signed lease agreement (on a prescribed Form 1AA) in exchange for any funds you have agreed to pay; and
- be careful if asked to pay funds via direct bank transfer unless you are sure the payment is to a licensed real estate agent.
Scams can be reported through the WA ScamNet website: www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.
Further guidance on renting a home can be found on the Consumer Protection website .
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"It is particularly heartbreaking to see scammers are targeting renters because they know they are under pressure and may take risks to secure a property.
"To avoid rental scammers, insist on inspecting the property in person and treat unusually cheap rent as a red flag.
"I urge people stay one step ahead of these scammers by arming themselves with knowledge of the rental process in WA using the factsheets and approved forms available on the Consumer Protection website."
