Falmouth students looking for a house are being targeted by scammers

By The Editor

16th Sep 2021 | Local News

Falmouth University students looking for a house are seemingly being targeted by scammers on Facebook.

A post on a popular student housing Facebook group has brought attention to possible scammers advertising fake rooms to receive money upfront.

Benjamin Cornelis, who will be completing his Masters at Falmouth University, noticed something strange when he found two accounts using the exact same line of questioning and grammar in the messages he was receiving.

The two accounts have reportedly targeted many students over the past year.

Speaking to Benjamin, he said:

"I came across the first account and contacted him. Then during our conversation, he came over very pushy and asking a lot of in-depth question like if I smoke drank and then if I liked sports and other things like that.

"When I showed more interest in the room he wanted me to send £1400 to reserve the room.

"After saying I wanted to view the room he said he couldn't keep the room just for me as others were also showing interest.

"I then contacted the other account in question, then during the talk she asked if I wanted to see the room. After she sent the photos I remembered seeing the same photos from the first account. I then started comparing the 2 conversations and the talk pattern overlapped."

Amy Bullock, Falmouth student, was also contacted by one of the accounts, she said:

"She messaged me back in September, she gave me the address and sent some pictures.

"She asked me lots of questions, whether I had pets, did I drink or smoke which I thought was odd.

"I asked her if she was studying and just said yes and didn't go into more detail.

"The way she was writing made it seem like English was not her first language, very broken English with spelling mistakes.

"Rent was 400, deposit 600. Minimum of two months stay and that it was available for a year.

"Then asked me how many months I would like to rent it for. When I didn't reply she said that she needed a response 'right now' as there were so many people interested.

"I asked if bills were included and she didn't respond to it. She then messaged me 7am the next day to ask if I was taking it again, which I replied no."

The two accounts are now blocked off of the Facebook group but other students have said that they are members of many different housing groups.

It is important to remember you stay vigilant when searching for a home. Never send money before you view a property and see an official contract.

     

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