My son found a room to rent on the web, but now fears it's a scam
My son, who recently moved to London, found a room to rent for November via a website theroomlet.co.uk.
After a virtual tour and showing proof of his ID, his application was approved by email and we paid £800 (one month's rent) upfront plus £784 (deposit deposit) by bank transfer.
He was due to move in on October 31st but since the payment was made we have had no response and "John" our contact at theroomlet, does not respond to phone calls, texts or emails. it appears to be a scam, although to date the website - comprehensive and compelling in its content - remains online and still invites potential tenants to apply.
LB , via email
I'm afraid you're right, this was a fraudulent transaction. The telltale signs were that all the properties advertised on the site looked very similar and were all too cheap for the areas of London they were advertised in - if £800 a month can be considered cheap.
>< p class="dcr-18sg7f2">I too sent the site owner two messages asking for an explanation but I heard nothing. The site has since been taken down from the web.You were right to contact your bank and explain that you were the victim of fraud, although I I'm afraid you won't. your money back.
The moral of this tale is never to wire money back for an item you haven't seen. This payment method is not protected in the same way as a credit card, which is covered by consumer rights law.
The web is flooded of scam artists trying to trick people into making bank transfers for cars, RVs, watches, vacation apartments and, now, rooms to let.
As plausible as that sounds, and however much you want for the item or service, and above all, however good a deal that looks like, you need to stop and ask yourself, "How much protection do I have if that doesn't happen?"
We welcome letters but cannot respond individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters are subject to our terms and conditions
My son, who recently moved to London, found a room to rent for November via a website theroomlet.co.uk.
After a virtual tour and showing proof of his ID, his application was approved by email and we paid £800 (one month's rent) upfront plus £784 (deposit deposit) by bank transfer.
He was due to move in on October 31st but since the payment was made we have had no response and "John" our contact at theroomlet, does not respond to phone calls, texts or emails. it appears to be a scam, although to date the website - comprehensive and compelling in its content - remains online and still invites potential tenants to apply.
LB , via email
I'm afraid you're right, this was a fraudulent transaction. The telltale signs were that all the properties advertised on the site looked very similar and were all too cheap for the areas of London they were advertised in - if £800 a month can be considered cheap.
>< p class="dcr-18sg7f2">I too sent the site owner two messages asking for an explanation but I heard nothing. The site has since been taken down from the web.You were right to contact your bank and explain that you were the victim of fraud, although I I'm afraid you won't. your money back.
The moral of this tale is never to wire money back for an item you haven't seen. This payment method is not protected in the same way as a credit card, which is covered by consumer rights law.
The web is flooded of scam artists trying to trick people into making bank transfers for cars, RVs, watches, vacation apartments and, now, rooms to let.
As plausible as that sounds, and however much you want for the item or service, and above all, however good a deal that looks like, you need to stop and ask yourself, "How much protection do I have if that doesn't happen?"
We welcome letters but cannot respond individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters are subject to our terms and conditions
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