Have I been scammed into a fake rental?

Am I the Victim of a Rental Scam? A Cautionary Tale

Navigating the rental market can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield, and recent events have left me questioning if I’ve fallen victim to a scam. Here’s my experience, and I hope it serves as a warning for others in similar situations.

I recently decided to find a sublet for the summer and turned to a Facebook group called “Gals Who Rent” for assistance. After posting my search, I received a direct message from an individual claiming to have a room available for the dates I needed. My excitement grew when I went to see the place—a charming house in Brixton Hill that was available for £850 per month, including all bills.

After expressing my interest, the landlord quickly prepared a sublet contract, which we both signed digitally. When it came time to discuss the deposit, I proposed paying it upon receiving the keys. We agreed to meet the following day at the property. However, on the way there, she informed me that she was running late and suggested alternate meeting locations—a nearby area in Brixton or her office. Ultimately, we settled for a midpoint where she handed me the key, and I made a bank transfer of £425 as a deposit using Wise Bank, an institution she claimed to use since she was here studying from the U.S.

Since our meeting, my attempts to reach her for questions—such as requesting the contact information of her flatmate—have been met with scant replies. Her excuses about being busy packing for her travels have further fueled my unease.

Now I find myself asking: Have I unknowingly been scammed? What steps can I take to protect myself and resolve this situation?

If anyone has insights or advice on how to handle these circumstances, I would greatly appreciate it. Sharing knowledge could potentially save someone else from a similar fate, so please feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below.