PROJECT: RENTAL SCAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2025

isabels39
Jul 25
5 min read

PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

Rental scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread in South Africa,

exploiting both tenants and landlords through deceptive tactics.

With the high demand for affordable housing,

scammers are leveraging online platforms and people’s desperation to make quick profits.

COMMON RENTAL SCAM TACTICS:

THE "PHANTOM RENTAL"/NON-EXISTENT PROPERTY SCAM:
- FAKE LISTINGS:
  - Scammers create enticing rental listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree using stolen images and descriptions of real properties.
  - Prices are often below market value to attract attention.
- UNAVAILABLE LANDLORD/AGENT:
  - When contacted, the scammer makes excuses for not being able to show the property in person (e.g., "I'm overseas," or "current tenants don’t want disturbances").
- PRESSURE FOR UPFRONT PAYMENTS:
  - Scammers push for a deposit, holding fee, or first month's rent, claiming high demand.
- DISAPPEARANCE:
  - After receiving payment, they vanish, block the victim, or delete the listing. Victims later discover the property either does not exist or is legitimately occupied.
THE "HIJACKED LISTING" SCAM:
- LISTING THEFT:
  - Scammers copy genuine rental listings from reputable platforms.
- REPOSTING WITH FAKE CONTACTS:
  - They repost the listings elsewhere, changing only the contact details.
- PRESSURE TACTICS:
  - The professional appearance misleads victims, but the scammer again avoids viewings and pressures for upfront fees.
THE "FAKE AGENT" SCAM:
- FAKE AGENCIES:
  - Scammers pose as real estate agents, sometimes creating fake websites or emails and even forging credentials.
- REQUESTING FEES:
  - They demand admin, background check, or application fees before any lease is signed.
- TEMPORARY ACCESS:
  - In advanced scams, they might briefly rent a property or use stolen keys to show it, collecting multiple deposits before vanishing.
THE "LANDLORD AS VICTIM" SCAM (FRAUDULENT TENANTS):
- FALSE CREDENTIALS:
  - Scammers act as tenants with fake documents and references.
- NON-PAYMENT:
  - They pay initially, then stop completely or disappear.
- ILLEGAL SUBLETTING:
  - Some rent the property, then illegally sublet to unsuspecting people before fleeing with the money.

WHAT THE SCAMMERS WANT:

DEPOSITS AND RENT:
- The most direct form of theft.
APPLICATION AND ADMIN FEES:
- Disguised as formal processes.
SENSITIVE INFORMATION:
- ID numbers, bank statements, and payslips used for identity theft.
QUICK DECISIONS:
- Exploiting urgency in the rental market to push victims into rushed payments.

HOW TENANTS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES:

ALWAYS VIEW THE PROPERTY IN PERSON:
- Never pay any money before physically viewing the property.
- If unavailable, send a trusted person.
- Be suspicious of excuses like being overseas or unavailable.
VERIFY LANDLORD OR AGENT IDENTITY:
- PPRA REGISTRATION:
  - Check the agent’s Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) via the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.
- PROOF OF OWNERSHIP:
  - Ask for a title deed or recent municipal bill.
- CROSS-CHECK INFORMATION:
  - Google the person and the property; check for negative reviews.
BE WARY OF "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" DEALS:
- Compare prices in the area. Unusually low rent is a red flag.
SCRUTINISE THE LISTING AND COMMUNICATION:
- Poor grammar, vague descriptions, or inconsistent information are suspicious.
- High-pressure tactics to pay quickly should raise alarm bells.
- Avoid payment via untraceable methods (e.g., Western Union, cryptocurrency).
USE TRUSTED PLATFORMS AND AGENCIES:
- Prefer known portals like Property24 and Private Property.
- Avoid or be extra cautious with listings from Facebook groups or WhatsApp.
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING:
- Insist on a legal lease with clear terms.
- Read and understand all clauses before signing.
TALK TO CURRENT TENANTS OR NEIGHBOURS:
- Gain insight into the property and verify the legitimacy of the rental offer.
LIMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION SHARING:
- Only provide sensitive data (e.g., ID, payslips) after confirming legitimacy.

HOW LANDLORDS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES:

VET TENANTS THOROUGHLY:
- Use reputable agencies to run background and credit checks.
- Personally verify all references and meet tenants in person.
VERIFY INCOME DOCUMENTS:
- Request several months of payslips and bank statements.
- Watch for forgeries or inconsistencies.
USE A SOLID LEASE AGREEMENT:
- Have it drafted or reviewed by a legal professional.
- Include clear terms, payment structure, and clauses for breach.
INSIST ON SECURE PAYMENTS:
- Accept payments via EFT only and avoid cash.
- Be wary of overpayment scams.
CONDUCT REGULAR INSPECTIONS:
- Schedule inspections as per the lease to ensure legal use of the property.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED:

REPORT TO THE SAPS:
- File a report with the South African Police Service and obtain a case number.
CONTACT YOUR BANK:
- Try to reverse or trace the payment.
REPORT THE SCAM ONLINE:
- Notify the platform (Facebook, Gumtree, etc.) where the listing appeared.

Rental scams in South Africa are growing in scale and sophistication, but with vigilance and due diligence,

both tenants and landlords can significantly reduce their risk. Always verify before you trust, avoid shortcuts,

and never let urgency cloud your judgment.

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is!

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv