Finding safe and affordable accommodation has long been a struggle for students, but in the process of pursuing this mammoth quest many would-be renters find themselves scammed.
This was the case for a father and daughter who were recently looking for accommodation. According to Stellenbosch police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin a case of fraud had since been opened.
The complainants were on a local Facebook group, Stellenbosch Rentals, looking for a flat to rent, as the daughter was looking to further her studies at Stellenbosch University (SU).
On the group the father received a message from Rebecca Sandra Louw who, in turn, referred him to a Kenneth Brandt. “The complainant contacted Mr Brandt on the telephone number [069 803 9700] about an available flat,” said Martin. “Mr Brandt confirmed the flat, at 39 Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, was available.
“Mr Brandt also sent the complainant pictures of the available place via WhatsApp. The complainant agreed to the terms and was relieved to find a place that was available for his daughter.”
After Brandt asked the complainant to pay a R5 000 “holding deposit” it all seemed in order, but it was not to be. When the complainant went to the address he found no trace of Brandt and was told the property was not available for renting or owned by Brandt.
Scammers looking to dupe hopeful local renters are rife, especially on platforms like Facebook and through WhatsApp. Warnings against scammers can also be found on various Stellenbosch and Somerset West rental Facebook groups, urging renters to work with official registered estate agents and housing companies.
“Unfortunately this is a scenario we hear about regularly,” Rasaad Cloete told Eikestadnuus this week.
The chairperson of the Ida’s Valley and Cloetesville accredited National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and private accommodation work group said a group of around 137 landlords from the Cloetesville and Ida’s Valley had formed a collective in part to combat scammers.
“Our aim is to help both landlords and the students who rent from us,” Cloete related.
“The work group started as a WhatsApp group where we shared information. We decided a formal structure also helps us to organise and speak with role-players as a collective.”
Landlords who are part of the work group have to meet a criteria set up by SU and to qualify as NSFAS accommodation.
“We urge parents to help their children with the process of finding accommodation,” Cloete said. “In many cases students get so desperate they are willing to take any place they find.
“Parents and students should do their homework as well as visit the university’s website to find accredited accommodation. Ask questions of landlords and never pay any money upfront, especially when the landlord pushes for payment before even visiting the property.”
Herman Cadman, fellow landlord and member of the work group’s executive, said many landlords rented privately to students, in which case they felt no obligation to follow any prescribed, standardised renting criteria. He said the work group was open to all landlords and would work directly with prospective renters via its Facebook page, “Landlords Idas Valley and Cloetesville”.
The university has also warned students to beware of rental scams.
It says red flags include not wanting to meet in person, prices being too good to be true and a demand that a deposit be paid via instant money transfer services.
Eikestadnuus has tired to get hold of Brandt, but has had no success.
Martin said after the complainant discovered the rental was a scam he opened a case of fraud. It is being investigated by local police.
“Rental scams are increasingly common so it is important to be vigilant when searching for a rental property,” Martin cautioned.
- Anyone who can assist the police with information on this scam is requested to contact the Stellenbosch police detective branch on 021 809 9142.
