It was a sad day on Monday, one of my friend got defrauded by an unknown man who advertised a flat for rental.
There is a new gang of foreign men, that advertise flats for rentals most especially in Durban City, they show the pictures of the flats, this gang uses one of the websites which is free to advertise to. Every consumer is lured by the pics, because they show the interiors of the flats.
This guys will tell you that already about 10 people want to view the flat, they then tell you that it is a first time first serve basis, you are then advised that you can deposit a certain portion of amount to reserve it in your name. One of the tricky thing, they then send you a tenant form to sign, so it looks like it is a genuine thing. Then you advised to send the money through the bank, then reference the name of the flat you will be occupying. Once you have paid they just dont take the calls from your number any longer. When you go to the said flat, you find that even the flat number does not exist. Then you find later that you are defrauded.
Just to caution consumers, please dont pay money without seeing the flat physically, also ensure that the person is the right owner of the flat. Always pay when you sign the lease. Get someone who is in legal services to advise you. Also the safest thing is to use flats that are run by agencies.
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