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How To Avoid Rental Scams as a Keyworker

Tips for Keyworkers
May 01, 2025•3 min read

“The best protection against rental scammer, is knowing what to look out for.” - Katie Johnson

Relocating for work is hard enough — the last thing you need is to fall into a scammer’s trap while trying to secure a place to live. Sadly, rental scams are on the rise, and keyworkers — especially those new to the UK — are often targeted.

If you've been trawling Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or any online forum for a room or flat, this post is for you.

With that said, here are 8 reasons why you should start blogging on your website today! 👊

🚩 The Most Common Rental Scams (and How They Work)

1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Deal

You see a beautifully furnished apartment in London Zone 2, five minutes from the hospital, for only £600/month. The photos look like they’re from a hotel. The “landlord” says they’re abroad and can’t show the place in person — but if you send the deposit today, they’ll post you the keys.

Reality: The property doesn’t exist or isn’t theirs to rent.

🔒 Avoid it: Don't send money before knowing the agent is real, or viewing the property either in person or by video tour or through a trusted intermediary. If they won’t show it, walk away.

2. Fake Agency or “Company” Listings

Scammers will impersonate a real letting agent or make up a company name. They may send you a fake website or fake tenancy agreements with official-looking logos.

Reality: The company either doesn’t exist, or they’re impersonating a legitimate agency.

🔒 Avoid it:

🕵🏽‍♀️ Pro tip: Search for their business address on Google Maps. If it’s a coffee shop or doesn’t exist — 🚩🚩🚩

3. Cloned Listings

Scammers copy real listings from Zoopla, Rightmove, or Spareroom and re-post them on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree — but with their own contact details. You think you’re getting a real deal, but you’re not speaking to the actual agent or landlord.

🔒 Avoid it: Reverse image search the photos using Google Lens. If the property appears on another platform with different contact info — it's likely a scam.

🧠 How to Tell if You're Dealing with a Legit Company or Landlord

Here’s your checklist to stay safe:

✅ They offer in-person or video viewings
✅ They use a contract that makes sense (AST or Licence Agreement)
✅ Their company is registered (check Companies House)
✅ They’re part of a redress scheme or regulated body
✅ They don’t ask for payment before showing the property
✅ They offer references from past tenants
✅ Their email address matches their domain name (not @gmail.com)

💡 Tools to Use

  • Google Lens or TinEye: Reverse image search property photos

  • Companies House: Check UK business registrations

  • Whois Lookup: Check when their website was registered

🛡️ At KASA Solutions, Here’s What We Do to Keep You Safe

We work only with verified landlords and property managers, and we won't charge keyworkers upfront fees before you’ve seen the property and agreed to move forward.

When you book through us, you know:

  • You’re dealing with a legitimate business

  • You’ll get a contract you can review

  • We’re available if something feels off

🙋🏽‍♀️ Final Thought: If in Doubt, Check It Out

Even if you’re in a rush to move, take a breath. Scammers prey on urgency. Ask questions. Verify identities. And if something feels off — trust your gut.

Need a second opinion on a listing? Feel free to send it our way. We’re happy to double-check it for you.

Serving those who serve us means protecting you — not just housing you.

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