Being asked to hand over money before you have seen a room is one of the clearest warning signs in a housing search. Sometimes it is a genuine misunderstanding, but often it is a scam. Knowing the difference protects you and your money.
The simple rule
Never pay anything, deposit, rent in advance or a holding fee, before you have seen the room in person or on a live video call and have a written agreement. A genuine landlord or provider will not need your money before that point.
What a legitimate request looks like
Once you have viewed a place and decided to take it, it is normal to pay a deposit and sometimes a month of rent in advance. That is fine. What is not normal is being asked to send money to secure a viewing, to prove you are serious, or to hold a room you have never seen.
Red flags to watch for
- •You are asked to pay before any viewing.
- •You are told to pay quickly or lose the room.
- •You are asked to send money by bank transfer, gift card or cash.
- •The person avoids letting you see the room or the address.
- •There is no written agreement.
What to do if someone pushes for money
- •Say no, and ask to view the room first. A real provider will agree.
- •Keep the messages as a record.
- •Report the advert to the website you found it on.
- •Get free advice from Citizens Advice if you are unsure.
Stay safe on Signpost
On Signpost you can message providers through your account, which keeps the conversation and any agreement in one place. Our guide on how to avoid housing scams covers the wider warning signs, and what to ask before viewing a room helps you check a place properly.
This guide is general information. If you have already paid and think it is a scam, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud.