Brisbane tenant scammed into paying rent for vacant rental home in Aspley
Tenants desperate for a home were warned to watch out for new rental scams after a woman moved in and began paying rent to a ghost landlord
- Woman conned into paying rent for house in Brisbane
- Officers arrived at the house that should have been empty
- The police are investigating the fraud case
A woman was fooled into paying rent to a con artist on a home she thought was off the market – only realtors showed up to inspect the supposedly vacant property.
The tenant had moved into the house on Robinson Road West, in Aspley, Brisbane, after it was advertised on social media in a buying and selling group.
She had paid the security deposit and rent for the house to the person posting the post, unaware that she was being cheated.
The property was said to be vacant, and it wasn’t until realtors entered the property last Wednesday morning that they saw people living in it.
The officers called the police, who showed up that afternoon.
The woman then explained to officers that she had paid rent to someone she thought was the owner.
A woman was conned into paying rent on a house she thought was off the market – only for real estate agents to arrive to inspect the property (pictured is stock image of apartment building listed for rent)
She has since filed a police report.
Queensland Police have since warned potential renters to be on high alert when seeing properties advertised on social media.
‘It is always safest to deal with licensed real estate agents when looking for rental properties; if you are dealing with an individual, ask for identification and proof that they own the property, for example rate notices,’ police said.
“With the shortage of rental housing, there is a criminal element that will take advantage of people looking for housing.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that they are investigating a case of fraud related to the address.
Those who notice anything suspicious can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.