BEWARE OF RENT FRAUD IN ACCRA AND SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

Over the past years, there has been lots of complaint, especially here in the Accra about rent scam or rent fraud when fake “Agents”, connive with care takers and dupe people in the name of renting apartment. This article will explain how some of them operate and how to detect genuine agent and fake agent. In

times of desperation, we usually don’t make the right decision and that is where all these fake agents take advantage especially when you also need the house urgently. They usually post ad on website like tonaton and Jiji. Beware when making any transaction from an online market place source especially on tonaton.

They pose as agent giving out rent for Landlords and Landladies but it's all fake. They usually connive with old men, old enough to be your father and dupe you. They usually meet you in places well known to be all visited by rich guys like big hotels. One other place they usually meet you is the mall and the hospitals,

so be ware.  One sad thing about this fraud is that, the Ghana police is aware this has been going on for years but they have not done anything about it, not even public awareness and it is a shame. I chose to write this article because I have been a victim of this and so many other people. It's also unfortunate most

people don’t talk about this because of the fear of been ridiculed by peers but I chose not to keep quiet and I will dedicate my time to also put an end to this activities.

WAYS TO AVOID BEEN SCAMMED

1. Ask the agent to show you any of his or her ID card to confirm their identity if possible know where they stay.

2. Ask other people leaving close by for the actual contact of the House owner if anyone leaves by and they know the house owner.

3. Always make sure the price of the house is not too cheap to be true. 

4. Make sure the agent is not wearing a hat or anything that covers part of his or her face.

5. Never agree to pay cash not matter what.

6. Always pay the money in a bank account. Any person renting a house should have at least a personal bank account.

7. If possible avoid paying part payment, make sure your money is ready in full, then go to the house with the landlord, with the tenancy agreement, signed everything and get the keys, test the keys to the doors and make the payment right there.

If you have been a victim of such a scam, don’t hesitate to reach us on fraudalertgh@gmail.com and we will assist you in finding the culprit.