Spotting rental scams

Rental fraud is when someone tricks you into paying upfront for a home that doesn't exist or isn't theirs to let, then stops replying. It can happen to anyone, however careful. A few simple checks make a big difference.

Warning signs

• Being asked to pay before you've viewed. Report Fraud, the national police reporting service, advises that you, or someone you trust, should see the home in person before you sign anything or pay.
• Pressure to decide fast. Fraudsters use urgency and fear of missing out to stop you thinking it through.
• A rent well below the going rate, often with photos copied from a genuine advert.
• Unusual ways to pay, such as cash transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• A bidding war. Since 1 May 2026, a landlord must state a specific rent in any written advert or offer, and can't invite or accept offers above it.
• Fees to view or for references. These are banned. No rent can be taken before you sign, and a holding deposit can't be more than one week's rent. See holding deposits.

Check who you're dealing with

• Search online for the address and the photos in the advert, to see whether they appear elsewhere.
• If the landlord is a company, you can look it up on the Companies House register. Our own entry is R. Lancaster & Sons (Cleveleys) Limited, company number 00476530.
• Our contact details are admin@rlancaster.co.uk and 07398 042 999. If a message claiming to be from us doesn't feel right, contact us on those before you pay anything.
• Where you can, pay by debit or credit card rather than bank transfer, as Report Fraud says cards give better protection.

If you think you've been caught out

• Tell your bank straight away. You can call 159 to reach your bank safely.
• Report it to Report Fraud, the national reporting service for fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, online or on 0300 123 2040. The old Action Fraud website now takes you there.
• If you're in immediate danger, call 999.
• Be wary of anyone who later offers to get your money back for a fee. That's often a second scam.

Find out more

• Rental fraud (Report Fraud)
• Recognise the tactics fraudsters use (Stop! Think Fraud)
• Reporting fraud (Stop! Think Fraud)
• Young people urged to "Think Fraud" over rent offers (GOV.UK)
• Search the Companies House register (GOV.UK)