Scam Alert: LOCON LETTINGS LTD
Hello everyone, I’m new to London and recently paid a holding deposit for a house in Canary Wharf after a walkthrough. Shortly after, I received an email from SpareRoom advising me to refrain from sending any more payments to the letting company, as they have been flagged by their security systems.
The letting company claimed they followed all the necessary protocols and even conducted background checks, including contacting my employer for verification. However, they mentioned that a previous customer had reported them after their application for a flat was denied, which led to SpareRoom raising concerns.
I’m feeling really overwhelmed and uncertain about who to trust, especially since I need to secure housing by the end of the month. Although the letting company has an official website, I still have my doubts.
Update: I have since discovered that this company is part of a scam. Please report them and DO NOT send them any money. If you have an appointment scheduled with them, I strongly advise against attending. Stay safe!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation—it’s incredibly stressful, especially when you’re new to a city and trying to find a place to live. It’s good that you’re being cautious. Here are a few steps you can take to verify the legitimacy of LOCON LETTINGS LTD and protect yourself:
Research the company: Check their official website and look for reviews or complaints on sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or social media. You can also search for them on the UK Government’s Companies House website to see if they are registered and if their information checks out.
Watch out for red flags: Common signs of a scam include pressure to pay money quickly, requests for payment through unconventional methods (like wire transfers or gift cards), or a lack of clear communication.
Contact the authorities: Report the situation to Action Fraud (UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting center) and check if there are existing complaints about this company.
Seek help from local resources: Reach out to local tenant advocacy groups or organizations that can offer guidance and support in renting in London.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, trust that feeling. It’s better to be safe than to risk losing money or getting involved in a scam.
You’re not alone in this; many people face similar challenges when finding accommodation in London. Keep researching and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Good luck!