Rental bond scam
Fake landlords asking for a bond before you inspect.
How it works
A great rental listing appears on Gumtree or Facebook. The 'landlord' is 'overseas' and asks for a bond + first month rent via transfer to hold the place.
Common scenarios to watch for
This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.
Overseas landlord
The 'owner' is missionary, military or working overseas. Keys will be 'couriered' once you transfer bond + first month.
"I'm doing mission work in PNG. Transfer 4 weeks bond + first month rent and I'll DHL the keys overnight."
Red flags to spot
- Is the landlord overseas and unable to meet in person?
- Are you being asked to transfer money before seeing the property?
- Is the rental price significantly below market rate?
- Are they promising to courier keys after payment?
Hijacked legitimate listing
A scammer copies a real domain.com.au listing onto Gumtree at half the price. You inspect a property that isn't actually for rent.
"Surry Hills 2BR, $480/wk (was $920). Owner urgent, viewing this Saturday, $1,000 holding deposit secures it."
Red flags to spot
- Is the listing price far below similar properties in the area?
- Can you verify the agent's identity with the real estate agency?
- Does the listing appear on an informal site but the photos match an official one?
- Are you asked for a holding deposit before a formal lease is signed?
Share-house bond scam
A 'housemate' in a Facebook group offers a room. They want bond by PayID before you can visit. The room and the housemate don't exist.
"Room in Carlton, $230/wk all inclusive. PayID $920 bond to hold, viewings only after deposit."
Red flags to spot
- Are you being asked to pay bond before viewing the room?
- Did you find the listing through an informal group rather than an agent?
- Can you verify the property address and that the poster actually lives there?
- Are they pushing for immediate PayID transfer to 'hold' the room?
Red flags
- 🚩Landlord can't meet for inspection
- 🚩Price well below market
- 🚩Pressure to transfer to secure it
What to do
- 1Never pay before inspecting the property in person.
- 2Use realestate.com.au / domain.com.au listings with verified agents.
- 3Report the listing.
Who's targeted
- Students and new migrants under pressure to find housing fast.
- Renters in tight markets willing to pay to secure a place.
Why it works
- Below-market price + urgency triggers quick decisions.
- Photos lifted from real listings make the property feel verified.
Common variations
Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.
- 1'Overseas landlord' asking for bond by transfer.
- 2Fake property manager on Gumtree using a real address.
- 3Short-stay scam asking for full payment outside the platform.
If you've already been scammed
- 1Contact your bank's fraud team within hours — recall is sometimes possible.
- 2Report to Scamwatch and your state Fair Trading / Consumer Affairs.
- 3Warn others by reporting the listing to the platform.
Frequently asked
Is a virtual inspection ever safe?▾
Only with a licensed agent you can verify on the state real-estate register.
Should bonds go to the landlord directly?▾
No — bonds go to the state bond authority (e.g. RTBA, NSW Fair Trading).
Can I dispute the transfer?▾
Try, but PayID and bank transfers are rarely reversible. Speed matters.
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