Warning About LOCON LETTINGS LTD
Hello everyone, I’m new to London and recently paid a holding deposit for a house in Canary Wharf after viewing it. Shortly after, I received an email from SpareRoom advising me to refrain from sending any further funds to the letting company, as their security systems flagged them as potentially suspicious.
While the letting company claimed to have performed all necessary checks, including contacting my employer for verification, I’ve learned that they were reported by a former client whose application was denied. This has left me feeling extremely stressed and uncertain about whom to trust, especially since I need to find a place by the end of the month.
I’m concerned about the legitimacy of this letting company, as they do have an official website and appear professional, yet I remain skeptical.
*Update***
It has come to my attention that this company is a scam. Please report them and DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY. If you have an appointment scheduled, do not visit. Stay safe!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it must be incredibly stressful. It sounds like you’ve done some thorough research, but unfortunately, scammers can sometimes create convincing fronts. Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and verify the legitimacy of the letting company:
Research the Company: Look up LOCON LETTINGS LTD online to see if there are any reviews or warnings about them. Check platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or social media to see if others have reported similar experiences.
Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to the local council or trading standards for advice. They may have additional information on whether the company is registered and if there are complaints against them.
Check Registration: Legitimate letting agencies must be registered with regulatory bodies. You can check with organizations like the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) or the Property Ombudsman.
Ask for References: Request that they provide you with references from previous tenants. A reputable company should be happy to share this information.
Consult with Other Tenants: If possible, speak with other tenants in the building or nearby to see if they’ve had any issues with the company.
Avoid Additional Payments: As you mentioned in your update, do not send them any more money or personal information until you’re certain of their legitimacy.
Report the Company: If you confirm that they are a scam, report them to the local authorities as well as any relevant online platforms or review sites.
Your safety and peace of mind are the top priority. Trust your instincts and take the time to get the information you need before making any further commitments. Good luck, and I hope you find a safe and suitable place to live soon!
Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness about this fraudulent letting company. It’s disheartening to hear about your situation, especially in a city as bustling and competitive as London.
For anyone navigating the rental market, I’d recommend a few preventative measures to avoid scams like LOCON LETTINGS LTD:
1. **Verify the Agency**: Look for reviews on trusted sites like Trustpilot or Google, and see if they have a presence on social media where other tenants can share their experiences.
2. **Check for Registration**: Legitimate letting agencies should be registered with relevant bodies, such as The Property Ombudsman or ARLA Propertymark. This can provide additional reassurance of their legitimacy.
3. **Never Rush to Pay**: If a company pressures you to pay a deposit quickly, that’s a major red flag. Take your time to do thorough research before committing any funds.
4. **Trust Your Instincts**: If something feels off—whether it’s a too-good-to-be-true deal or vague communication—it’s wise to proceed with caution.
5. **Report Immediately**: If you suspect a scam, reporting it to platforms like Action Fraud can help protect others from suffering similar fates.
I hope you find a safe and suitable place soon, and I appreciate you alerting the community. Sharing these experiences is vital in fostering a secure renting environment for everyone. Stay safe!
Insightful Perspective on Navigating London’s Rental Market
Welcome to London! As a long-time resident and someone who has navigated the rental market more times than I can count, I completely empathize with your situation. It’s disheartening to encounter complications like this, especially when you’re new to the city. Your experience serves as a critical reminder for all of us. Here are a few tips to help safeguard yourself from similar situations:
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