28 January 2025
Online rental scams are a growing concern in South Africa, with fraudsters employing various tactics to deceive prospective tenants.
To protect yourself, be aware of the following common signs of rental scams:
- Unrealistically Low Prices: If a rental price is significantly lower than comparable properties in the area, it could be a scam.
- Pressure for Immediate Payment: Scammers often urge potential tenants to pay deposits or fees urgently, sometimes via unconventional methods, before viewing the property. No deposit is payable by law until the Lease Agreement has been signed. The only funds which could be asked for upfront, are for your Application fee, once you have completed the Application document.
- Lack of Professional Communication: Be cautious of generic language, unverified contact information, or communication from personal email addresses instead of official company domains.
- Inconsistent or Vague Property Information: Listings with inconsistent details, ambiguous descriptions, or poor-quality images can be red flags.
To safeguard against these scams:
- Verify the Agent's Credentials: Ensure the agent has a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) number, which can be confirmed through the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) portal.
- Use Reputable Platforms: Search for properties on accredited listing platforms such as Property24, Private Property, or secure real estate company websites.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Never pay a deposit or any fees before viewing the property in person and verifying its legitimacy. By law, no deposit is payable until a Lease Agreement has been signed.
- Be Cautious with Communication Platforms: Scammers are increasingly using platforms like WhatsApp to appear legitimate. Always verify the authenticity of any individual claiming to represent a reputable company. Rather Google search the company “advertising” the property and confirm that the agent and property is legitimate.
If you suspect you've encountered a rental scam, report the incident to the Company and/or Advertising platform where you found the listing. Staying vigilant and informed is crucial to protecting yourself in the rental market.