Elderly Couple's Home Falsely Listed for Rent in Facebook Scam
An elderly couple in Lincoln discovered their house was fraudulently advertised for rent on Facebook. Investigation reveals a sophisticated scam operation using fake identities and websites to target potential renters.
An elderly couple in Lincoln recently found themselves at the center of a sophisticated rental scam, highlighting the growing threat of online fraud targeting unsuspecting victims. Over the past two months, four individuals approached their home, believing it was available for rent based on a fraudulent Facebook advertisement.
J.T., the homeowner, expressed deep concern about the situation, emphasizing their lack of involvement in the scam and unfamiliarity with Facebook. This incident underscores the vulnerability of non-tech-savvy individuals to online fraud, a problem that has seen a significant increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
To investigate the matter, a journalist enlisted the help of James Bore, a chartered security professional from cybersecurity firm Bores. Within 30 minutes, Bore located the fraudulent listing on Facebook using various parts of the victims' address.
The scammer, posing as an elderly woman based in Madrid, claimed to have inherited the property two years ago. This false narrative exploited the common scenario of overseas property owners, a tactic frequently used in rental scams. The fraudster's Facebook profile, last active in 2019, added a layer of authenticity to the deception.
The investigation revealed a complex operation involving a fake OpenRent website. OpenRent, a legitimate UK-based online letting agent founded in 2012, was impersonated to lend credibility to the scam. Potential victims were instructed to transfer £1,420, including a deposit and first month's rent, within 24 hours to "secure" the property.
"Since no answer comes from your side, I have cancelled the reservation. Good luck."
This curt response came after the investigator, posing as an interested renter, questioned the payment method. The scammer's quick dismissal is a common tactic to pressure victims into hasty decisions.
Despite reports from multiple sources, Facebook's response to the fraudulent listing was disappointingly slow. A spokesperson stated, "We don't allow fraudulent activity on our platforms and are investigating the content brought to our attention." This lackluster response raises questions about the effectiveness of Facebook's fraud detection systems, especially considering its vast user base of over 2.9 billion monthly active users.
The victims were advised to report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime, and local police. Additionally, the fraudulent bank account information was reported to Openbank in Spain.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of digital literacy and vigilance in the age of online scams. It also highlights the need for social media platforms to improve their fraud detection and response mechanisms to protect vulnerable users.
