Gardaí warn renters after victims lose thousands in scam

People in the South East have paid over deposits and rent advances for accommodation to fraudsters who didn't own the property in question

It comes as lockdown restrictions on property viewings have been lifted, but some examples have been where people were "trusting virtual tours without any physical access" to the properties.

Gardaí are warning would-be renters to be extra vigilant when paying deposits after a number of people fell victim to a scam resulting in the loss of thousands of euro.

Gardaí in the South East are investigating several incidents of fraud, whereby people paid over deposits and rent advances for accommodation, with the amount in each case €2,158, to fraudsters who didn't own the property in question.