Woman loses money to rental scam in Limerick

A WOMAN who fell victim to a rental scam in Limerick and subsequently lost money has prompted a garda warning.

Gardaí are advising people to “be informed” after a woman in her 40s fell victim to a financial scam while looking for an apartment in Dooradoyle. 

“She transferred a payment, her first month's rent, after communicating with who she believed was the landlord,” said Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, crime prevention officer, Henry St garda station.

“However, when she arrived, she found the apartment was privately owned and not for rent. I recommend always going through a reputable letting agency.

“Always view the accommodation and ensure the person you meet has the right to rent it and that the keys open the locks. Then when it comes to payment, credit cards are the safest form of payment.”

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Sgt O’Halloran recommends home hunters “be cautious of cloned sites” while searching online and to “disengage immediately” if the person “asks for payment through cryptocurrency, asks you to wire the payment through Western Union or to pay in iTunes gift cards”.  

“Be informed, do your homework and research and be secure,” Sgt O’Halloran continued. 

“Do not part with any money until you have seen the property and are satisfied with the conditions, and finally, be alert. Ensure you do not transfer any money until you have carried out all checks and again absolutely certain the listing is genuine.”