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Friday, 2 July 2010

Accommodation scammers may be targeting students looking for accommodation in and around Perth.

It is alleged that scammers have been placing false advertisements on www.perthhousemates.com.au and www.share-accommodation.net but there are likely to be other websites.

The UWA Housing Office recommends that you do not send money to anybody you have not met in person and do not provide your bank details.

Do not give out unnecessary personal information, such as your date of birth or passport details. If you are at all suspicious, do not give any personal information. You are welcome to contact us for advice.

We advise students to be wary of bogus advertisements for rental accommodation. If the weekly rent seems too good to be true, then it probably is. On average you should expect to pay at least $230 per week for a one bedroom unit and at least $120 per week for a room in shared accommodation.

We have been told of cases where students have been emailed false documentation, such as a Certificate of Title, and asked for money to be wired through Western Union to secure the accommodation. Please do not become a victim of such a scam.

We strongly advise against paying out sums of money and signing rental agreements before viewing the accommodation, unless you are arranging homestay accommodation through a registered provider such as Talkabout Tours or WA Homestay Network or booking temporary accommodation through a hotel or reputable website.

International and visiting students are urged to arrange short-term temporary accommodation for their arrival in Perth using the providers of temporary accommodation listed on our website.

This is not the first time that student have been targeted. A media release in April 2008 also warned international students to be cautious.

Scam warnings can be found on the Department of Commerce website or the SCAMwatch website .

Bogus UWA accommodation

It has been reported that some rental accommodation is being advertised by people claiming to be UWA staff. If the person advertising a room or property says they work for UWA, ask them to show their staff identity card showing their ID number and photograph.

When looking to rent a room or property with a private owner, we recommend that you ask to see some form of photographic identity card before you sign a rental agreement or part with any money and always get copies of paperwork and receipts.

Contact

If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a website or an advertisement, contact the UWA Housing Office .

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