Warning to renters against Internet scams to snaffle your cash (From Oxford Mail)

Warning to renters against Internet scams to snaffle your cash (From Oxford Mail)

HOUSE-hunters were last night warned about Internet scams claiming to offer cheap rental deals in Oxford.

A number of adverts have appeared on rental websites such as Gumtree offering cheap flats in and around the city.

But when contacted, the so-called landlords claim they need up to £800 in advance as a deposit before the viewing.

Oxfordshire Trading Standards spokesman Ian Marriott said: “Our advice would always be that if someone is asking for money before letting you view a property, then walk away. It’s probably a scam. No reputable landlord would ask for that.”

Mr Marriott said although officers were aware of the scam, they had not heard of anyone falling victim to it recently, although the Oxford Mail experienced a case recently.