JOHANNESBURG - Property owners are on high alert. This as rental scams are on the rise in South Africa.
According to experts, scammers target landlords and tenants through fake property listings, impersonating agents, and fraudulent payment methods.
Pearl Scheltema from Fitzanne Estates says criminals advertise non-existent or occupied properties online at below-market rates to attract unsuspecting tenants.
Once a tenant is interested, these scammers demand an upfront payment before even viewing a property which is a huge red flag, Scheltema warned.
READ | Funeral scam trial | Charges withdrawn against former Joburg mayor
"Tenants are usually left discouraged and in financial ruin at the last minute. Keep in mind that moving has been arranged and when they arrive at the property it either does not exist or it's already occupied. By then it is far too late," Scheltema says.
Scheltema say during this time there is no recourse for the victim of the scam as their money is already gone and would be difficult to recover.
She says, landlords also fall victim as tenants sometimes leave without paying.
Scheltema explains, often at times a tenant may have 'perfect' credentials on paper but once they move in they stop paying, leaving the landlord to cover the debt.