An estate agent in Dorset has called out Facebook Marketplaces, Airbnb and other lightly police online platforms for allowing criminals to scam tenants via fake rental property listings.

Phil Skorochod (pictured), who runs the Bournemouth branch of national chain Martin & Co, has told a BBC investigation into the problem that he sees scammers using legitimate photographs and details stolen from the internet to entice prospective tenants to pay cash up front for tenancies that will never materialise.

The problem is not new but is raging particularly hard at the moment as virtual viewings become more acceptable among house hunters and competition for properties intensifies as stock diminishes.

While only agents can upload to the established property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket, anyone can advertise properties for rent on websites such as Facebook’s Marketplace, classified websites such as GumTree and short-lets platforms such as Airbnb.

This leaves the door wide open for criminals who are able to post ads for rental properties unchecked.

£3,000 rental scam

The BBC investigation in Bournemouth revealed one woman who had been left homeless after losing £3,000 to a rental scam criminal who stole pictures from a property for sale on an agent’s website and used them to advertise it ‘for rent’. She was subsequently told she was one of several prospective tenants ripped off by the scam.

“This is not a financial scam, it’s a scam on people’s lives… it destroys their whole meaning of life,” said Skorochod.

“Worst of all, the police say it’s a civil matter and not a criminal matter and won’t get involved.”

Picture credit: BBC