Rental fraud in the UK has grown sharply — Action Fraud recorded over 5,000 cases in 2025, with average losses of £2,900. Scammers target students, professionals relocating for work, and anyone in a hurry to secure a property.
Here are the 10 most common warning signs. If several appear together, it's worth running a free company check before you proceed.
Scammers list properties they don't own — often copying photos and descriptions from legitimate listings. If the "landlord" makes excuses about why you can't view it ("I'm abroad," "current tenants are shielding"), treat it with caution until you can verify the details independently. Always view in person or send someone you trust.
A common tactic: "There are three other people interested — pay a holding deposit now to secure it." Genuine agents and landlords don't typically ask for money before you've seen the property. This tactic works because it creates artificial urgency — pausing to verify the company can break that pressure.
A flat in central London for £800/month? A house that's 30% below market rate? Scammers use below-market pricing to attract more victims faster. Check comparable listings on Rightmove or Zoopla. If the price is significantly lower than similar properties in the area, there's a reason — and it's not generosity.
Every legitimate letting agent in the UK must be a registered business. If you search the company name on Companies House and find nothing — or the name doesn't match any registered company — that's a major red flag. Run a free rental check to verify the company behind the listing.
Legitimate agents use protected deposit schemes (DPS, TDS, or mydeposits) which are legally required within 30 days of receiving your deposit. If they ask for cash, bank transfer, PayPal, or — especially — Western Union, it's almost certainly a scam. These payment methods offer no protection.
A letting agency registered 3 weeks ago with no trading history is far riskier than one with years of filings. Similarly, a company that's been dissolved and re-registered under a similar name could be a "phoenix" — directors escaping debts by starting over. Companies House shows incorporation dates for every company.
A proper tenancy agreement protects both parties. If the "agent" avoids paperwork, offers an informal arrangement, or pressures you to move in without an agreement, they're avoiding a paper trail. All legitimate rentals come with a written agreement — usually an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).
Watch for: WhatsApp-only communication, refusal to give a phone number or office address, different names used across messages, poor English combined with pressure tactics. Professional letting agents communicate through proper channels and are happy to provide their office details.
A dormant company is not trading — legally, it shouldn't be taking deposits or signing tenancies. A company in liquidation is being wound up. These statuses mean the company isn't legally trading. They're publicly visible and free to check. Whether to proceed is your call — but knowing the status helps you make that decision.
Some directors cycle through companies — dissolving one, starting another, dissolving again. Each dissolution can leave creditors and tenants out of pocket. ScoutCompany's director cross-reference shows every company linked to an individual, making this pattern visible in one click.
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