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# Staffordshire residents warned of rental scam risks
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/staffordshire-residents-warned-of-rental-scam-risks/
- Published: 2024-08-09T06:01:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-08-07T08:12:14.000Z
- Description: People in Staffordshire are being warned about the danger of rental scams.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:53, News

PEOPLE in Staffordshire are being warned about the danger of rental scams.

It comes as Trading Standards revealed that victims lose on average £1,400 if they are conned while trying to rent a property.

The scams involve people posing as a landlord or manager to take money for a rental that does not exist or isn’t theirs.

Cllr Victoria Wilson, cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said:

> “It’s easy to be taken in by attractive adverts and properties at low rents, but people do need to be careful and take precautions to avoid becoming victims.  
>  
> “By following keeping an eye out for any red flags you can keep yourself safe.   
>  
> “Never pay rent up front or money to secure the property, be suspicious if you don’t get to meet the agent or landlord, and think about doing a search online for the property.  
>  
> “Scammers have been known to rent Airbnb properties to offer fake viewings, so it’s worth cross-checking the property against that platform too.  
>  
> “And remember, if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.”