Fraud & Safety Info
Protect yourself from scams, fraudulent listings, and online identity theft. Learn how to stay safe.
1. Recognizing Common Rental Scams
Scammers often set up fake property listings using copied photos and text from real listings to trick property seekers. Watch out for these warning signs:
- The landlord is overseas: They tell you they are currently out of the country and cannot show you the property.
- Urgency to pay: They demand immediate deposit, booking fees, or bond payments via bank transfer before showing you the property.
- Too good to be true: The property is listed at a price significantly below market value for that suburb.
2. Prevention Checklist
Protect your funds and personal data by following these checklist items:
- Never send money upfront: Do not wire money or make credit card payments to landlords or agents until you have physically inspected the property.
- Meet the agent: Verify that the agent works for a registered, licensed agency. Look them up in our Agency/Agent Directory.
- Inspect in person: Always insist on a walk-through inspection. If you cannot attend, have a friend or agent attend on your behalf.
- Use official rental systems: Ensure you pay bonds directly through state bond authorities (e.g. RBO in NSW, RTBA in VIC) rather than directly to the owner.
3. Phishing and Security Warning
Housing Finder will never ask you for your login password, credit card PIN, or verification SMS codes via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
Always check that the URL in your browser is housingfinder.com.au before entering any personal information or making subscription payments.