Online rent scams in Western Australia are rising as fake landlords post in online marketplaces and on social media.
And renters have been warned to remain wary.
The WA Government’s WA ScamNet agency reports receiving a growing number of reports from victims who paid money to secure a rental only to discover they had been scammed.
It says $51,875 was scammed from 20 victims last year compared to 16 victims and $39,935 in 2024.
Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti says it is “particularly heartbreaking” to see these scams target renters who are under pressure and more likely to take risks to secure a property.
“To avoid rental scammers, insist on inspecting the property in person and treat unusually cheap rent as a red flag,” he says.
“I urge people stay one step ahead of these scammers by arming themselves with knowledge of the rental process in WA using the factsheets and approved forms available on the Consumer Protection website (www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/).”
A rental affordability report released last year found WA to be the most expensive state with minimal signs of improvement in vacancies.
HOW SCAMS UNFOLD
The state government says scammers will pretend to be private landlords who lure their victims with low rent prices and stolen photos of real properties.
Victims are given an address for a drive-by but requests to view the interior are met with excuses.
They will be pressured to pay a bond and upfront rent by bank transfer; to add credibility, the scammer may also use fake rental agreements with the WA Government logo.
The scam only comes to light once it is time to collect the keys and the victim discovers the property is occupied or even for sale. The scammer will disappear and the money is gone.
TIPS TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED
- Be suspicious of a property rental that is well below the current market value.
- Never solely rely on photos provided to you; do a reverse image search.
- Look up the property on real estate websites and contact previous listing agents — scammers often steal images from advertisements.
- Be cautious if the same email address is linked to multiple rental listings.
- Always inspect the property prior to signing a lease agreement or paying money.
- Only deal with landlords you can meet face-to-face or go through a licensed real estate agent.
- Ensure you receive the keys and a copy of the signed lease agreement (on a prescribed Form 1AA in WA) in exchange for any funds you agreed to pay.
- Be careful if asked to pay funds via direct bank transfer unless you are sure the payment is to a licensed real estate agent. Source: WA Government
Scams can be reported through the WA ScamNet website at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.
