PROJECT: FAKE RENTAL LISTINGS
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WHEN CRIMINALS USE YOUR HOME ADDRESS TO DEFRAUD OTHERS
Online property advertisements have created opportunities for legitimate landlords and tenants to connect,
but they have also given criminals new ways to commit fraud.
One concerning practice involves using photographs, descriptions and the physical addresses
of genuine residential properties to advertise accommodation they have no authority to rent out.
The homeowner may have no knowledge of the advertisement, yet strangers may arrive at the property
expecting to move in or view the accommodation after communicating with a person they believe to be the landlord.
In many cases, the criminal's objective is to collect deposits, advance rental payments or application fees
before disappearing with the money.
South African property-market guidance has identified the copying of genuine property advertisements,
the impersonation of landlords and the diversion of rental payments as recurring fraud risks.
The consequences extend beyond the financial losses suffered by prospective tenants,
as innocent homeowners may face repeated unwanted visits, security concerns, reputational damage
and the burden of resolving a scam they did not initiate.
HOW THE SCAM OPERATES:
Criminals can obtain property photographs and address details from public property portals, social media posts and previous rental advertisements. They then create a fraudulent listing, sometimes offering attractive accommodation at a price intended to generate immediate interest.
The scammer may claim to own the property, represent the owner or manage the rental on behalf of another person. Communication takes place through a telephone number, messaging account or email address controlled by the criminal. Prospective tenants are encouraged to pay a deposit, booking fee or advance rental amount to secure the property.
In other cases, the criminal may request copies of identity documents, proof of income, banking information or other personal details under the pretence of conducting a tenant screening process. Criminals may use this information to commit identity theft or further fraud.
The physical property may be entirely genuine, but the person advertising it has no authority to rent it out. The homeowner's address and photographs are used to create credibility while the criminal directs all communication and payments elsewhere.
THE IMPACT ON INNOCENT HOMEOWNERS:
When the fraud becomes apparent, the homeowner may be confronted by people who believe they have paid for accommodation at that address. Visitors may arrive unexpectedly, become distressed or demand access to a property they believe they have legitimately rented. Some may have travelled considerable distances or committed substantial savings to secure the accommodation.
Repeated incidents can compromise household security, disrupt daily life and create fear among residents, particularly elderly people, people living alone and families with children. Frustrated victims may also mistakenly direct their anger at the homeowner.
A further concern is the possibility that the address may be associated with fraudulent advertisements across multiple websites. Even after one listing has been removed, copied advertisements may remain active elsewhere or reappear under different names and contact details.
Homeowners should understand that the unauthorised use of their address does not, by itself, make them a party to the rental agreement or automatically render them liable for money paid to a fraudster. Liability depends on the facts, the parties' conduct and the applicable law. Nevertheless, documented evidence and prompt reporting are important when establishing that the homeowner was not involved.
RED FLAGS THAT PROSPECTIVE TENANTS SHOULD RECOGNISE:
Members of the public should exercise caution when a rental advertiser:
Demands a deposit or advance payment before the property and the advertiser's authority have been independently verified.
Refuses an in-person viewing or repeatedly provides excuses for being unavailable.
Offers rent substantially lower than that charged for comparable properties, without a credible explanation.
Pressures prospective tenants to pay immediately to avoid losing the opportunity.
Requests payment into an account that cannot be independently linked to the verified landlord or authorised rental agent.
Uses photographs or descriptions that appear in other advertisements with different contact details.
Requests extensive personal or financial information before the legitimacy of the transaction has been established.
No single warning sign proves that an advertisement is fraudulent. However, several inconsistencies combined with pressure to pay should prompt prospective tenants to stop and verify the transaction independently.
WHAT HOMEOWNERS SHOULD DO:
If homeowners discover that their address is being used in a fraudulent rental advertisement, or strangers arrive because of such an advertisement, they should take the following steps:
PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE:
Save screenshots of the advertisement, its URL, photographs, contact details, messages and any information supplied by affected tenants. Record the dates and times of unexpected visits where possible.
REPORT THE LISTING:
Notify the website, property portal or social media platform hosting the advertisement and request its removal. Retain the complaint reference and any correspondence.
OPEN A POLICE CASE WHERE FRAUD OR RELATED CRIMINAL CONDUCT IS SUSPECTED:
Provide the available evidence to the South African Police Service (SAPS). If a person threatens residents, attempts to force entry or refuses to leave in circumstances that create an immediate safety risk, contact the police.
PROTECT HOUSEHOLD SECURITY:
Do not allow unknown visitors into the home merely because they claim to have rented it. Communicate from a secure position, avoid confrontations and inform household members, security personnel or complex management where appropriate.
WARN AFFECTED VISITORS CALMLY:
Explain that the advertisement is unauthorised and that the person responsible has no authority to rent out the property. Where safe, direct the person to preserve their payment records and report the matter to their bank and SAPS.
NOTIFY THE BODY CORPORATE, MANAGING AGENT OR SECURITY OFFICE, WHERE APPLICABLE:
If the property is part of a complex, estate or managed development, inform the body corporate, managing agent or security office so that repeated incidents can be monitored.
MONITOR FOR FURTHER MISUSE:
Search for copied advertisements using distinctive phrases or property photographs, and report each confirmed fraudulent listing. If personal information has also been compromised, take appropriate steps to protect affected accounts and identity records.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES:
Depending on the evidence and circumstances, using a property advertisement to obtain money through deception may constitute fraud under South African law. The unauthorised use of personal information may also raise identity-related legal concerns, while threats, unlawful entry or other conduct may give rise to separate offences.
A person who knowingly participates in a fraudulent scheme, assists the perpetrator or receives and handles criminal proceeds may also face legal consequences, depending on their conduct and the applicable offences. Prospective tenants who have been deceived should preserve evidence of representations made to them, payment instructions, bank transactions and communications with the advertiser.
Homeowners should not assume that they are financially responsible simply because their address appeared in a fraudulent advertisement. However, anyone who receives a demand for payment, a legal notice or a threat of proceedings should obtain appropriate legal advice and retain all supporting documentation.
Fake rental listings are not merely an inconvenience for property owners.
They are a form of deception that can cause financial loss to prospective tenants while exposing uninvolved residents
to unwanted visitors, security risks and reputational harm.
The most effective response combines independent verification before payment, prompt reporting,
preservation of evidence and appropriate household security measures.
Prospective tenants must confirm that the person offering accommodation has the authority to do so,
while homeowners should act quickly when their property details are misused.
SSS urges members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspected rental fraud and avoid making payments
based solely on photographs, online representations or unverified claims of ownership.
Information about suspected criminal activity should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
All evidence should be handled responsibly and shared through appropriate reporting channels.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
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