ALERT: Kildare gardaí urge public to be cautious as new rental scam is on the rise

Kildare‘s An Garda Síochána are warning the public about a scam targeting those searching for rental properties. 

It is understood that criminals are posing as landlords and using legitimate property websites to advertise fake or compromised listings. Victims are then asked to pay a deposit to secure a viewing, often under the pretense of preventing no-shows. 

According to gardaí, the scam begins when a victim is asked to pay a small deposit to view a property. Once card or banking details are entered online, the injured party tends to receive a call from a person claiming to be with the bank. 

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From here, the ‘banker’ says the account is compromised and asks for a payment to be authorised or for security details to be shared. It is believed that scammers then use this information to gain full access to the victim’s account. 

Gardaí advised potential renters to be cautious of requests for payment before viewing a property, pressure to act quickly and calls asking for banking details or security codes. 

They are now encouraging the public to never pay a deposit before seeing the property, never share banking details, PINs or codes over the phone and always verify both listings and landlords independently. 

If you believe you have been targeted or fallen victim to this scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to An Garda Síochána.