Avoiding Rental Scams

## How to Avoid Rental Scams in New Zealand Unfortunately, rental scams exist. Here's how to protect yourself. ### Red Flags - Warning Signs **The listing seems too good to be true** - Price is much lower than similar properties - Professional photos but vague details - Available immediately in a high-demand area **The "landlord" can't meet in person** - Claims to be overseas - Only communicates via email or text - Pressures you to pay quickly **Payment requests are suspicious** - Asks for money before viewing - Wants payment via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards - Requests more than 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks rent in advance - No receipt offered **Property issues** - Can't arrange a viewing inside - Address doesn't match photos - Multiple listings with same photos, different addresses ### How to Protect Yourself **Before Viewing:** - Research the average rent for the area - Search the property address online - Reverse image search the listing photos - Check if listing appears on multiple sites with different details **At Viewing:** - Always view in person before paying anything - Meet inside the property, not just outside - Ask to see proof of ownership or property management agreement - Take someone with you **Before Paying:** - Get a written tenancy agreement - Verify the landlord's identity - Pay only after signing the agreement - Get a receipt for all payments - Confirm bond will be lodged with Tenancy Services ### What Scammers Ask For (Don't Pay!) - "Holding deposit" before viewing - Cash only with no receipt - International wire transfers - Bond paid directly to them (not via Tenancy Services system) - Payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards ### If You've Been Scammed 1. Stop all communication with the scammer 2. Report to NZ Police: 105 (non-emergency) 3. Report to Netsafe: netsafe.org.nz 4. Contact your bank immediately if you paid 5. Report to the platform where you found the listing ### Safe Places to Find Rentals - Trade Me Property (trademe.co.nz) - Realestate.co.nz - Facebook Marketplace (be careful) - Property management company websites - University accommodation services ### Remember - **Legitimate landlords will always let you view first** - **Never pay before signing a tenancy agreement** - **Bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services** - **Trust your instincts - if it feels wrong, walk away**