At Interhouse, transparency and reliability are key values. Unfortunately, we occasionally hear that individuals are being contacted online by parties pretending to be Interhouse, asking for money in exchange for information or priority when renting a property. These messages are not from Interhouse and do not reflect the way we operate. In this blog, we explain what to look out for and how to avoid falling victim to fraud.
How does this type of fraud work?
Fraudsters use social media and property listing platforms to pose as trusted letting agents. Here are some of the ways they try to deceive you:
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A ‘letting agent’ contacts you via Facebook or Instagram.
You receive a private message containing an attractive property offer. You’re then asked to make a downpayment to ‘secure first access’ to the property. This is a scam – Interhouse would never approach you via social media without prior contact, and certainly never ask for payment in advance. -
You’re asked to pay in order to view a property.
Some scammers claim you must transfer money before receiving any information or scheduling a viewing. This is not how Interhouse works. Viewings and information are always non-binding and free of charge. -
A third party posts an Interhouse property on another website.
Some listings feature Interhouse properties posted on external platforms by unknown individuals. They then request payment in exchange for further details. Always verify whether a property is listed on our official website and only contact the Interhouse office advertising the property.
How can you avoid falling victim to these scams?
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Always check the sender.
Is the sender claiming to be from Interhouse? Make sure it’s from an official email address or phone number. For extra certainty, contact the relevant official Interhouse office directly to verify the situation. We never initiate contact via social media without prior communication. -
Never pay in advance for information or viewings.
Interhouse would never charge for this.
Interhouse stands for reliability
We believe it’s essential that people looking for a rental property can do so safely and with confidence. That’s why we are committed to combatting this type of fraud and keeping our clients informed.
Have you come across a suspicious situation or are you unsure about an offer? Would you like to double-check if the provider is a legitimate Interhouse office?
