Most landlords on SocialRooms are genuine, but scammers target people looking for somewhere to live, especially when money is tight and you need to move quickly. These checks will keep you safe.
Warning signs
- You are asked to pay a deposit, holding fee or rent before you have viewed the home in person.
- The landlord says they are abroad and will send the keys by post or courier.
- You are asked to pay by bank transfer to a personal account, gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfer services or PayPal "friends and family".
- The rent is much lower than similar homes nearby, or you are pressured to decide today.
- The landlord wants to move the conversation off SocialRooms straight away.
- The same photos appear on other adverts with a different address or landlord.
Pay safely
- Always view the home first and meet the landlord or agent there.
- In England, a holding deposit can be no more than one week’s rent, and a tenancy deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme. Ask which scheme they use.
- Get a written agreement before you pay anything, and keep a record of every payment.
Check the landlord
- Ask for ID and proof that they own or manage the home.
- Look for the Verified landlord badge on SocialRooms.
- Search the address and the landlord’s name online.
If you think it is a scam
- Stop, and do not send any money or personal documents.
- Use Report on the listing, or email us, so we can check it and remove it.
- If you have already paid, call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland on 101.