Rental Scammers Now Impersonating Consumer Protection WA

• Rental Scams
• Consumer Protection
• Scam Alert

Scammers are posing as Consumer Protection to legitimise fake bond payments in a new rental scam wave. Learn how to spot and avoid the trap.

Rental Scam Alert: Fake Bond Emails from 'Consumer Protection'

A disturbing new trend in rental fraud is sweeping Western Australia, with scammers now impersonating Consumer Protection to deceive prospective tenants. By faking confirmation emails for bogus bond payments, these fraudsters are tricking victims into handing over even more money.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are creating convincing emails that appear to come from the WA Government, complete with official Consumer Protection letterheads and forms. These messages falsely confirm receipt of a security bond, giving victims a false sense of legitimacy after they’ve paid for non-existent rental properties.

In 2025 alone, 35 reports have been made to WA ScamNet, with 12 victims losing $27,875. At this rate, the numbers will soon exceed the total rental scam reports for all of 2024.

Spotting the Scam: The Key Red Flag

The most telling sign of a fake bond confirmation email is the sender’s email address. According to Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake, genuine correspondence from the WA Government will always end in wa.gov.au.

• Hover over the sender's email to reveal the actual address.
• If it doesn't end with wa.gov.au, it’s a scam.

Real-Life Case: $2,400 Lost to Deception

One recent victim, a non-native English speaker, lost $2,400 after being duped by a fake landlord in the northern suburbs. The scammer claimed the property couldn't be inspected due to tenants and followed up with a forged bond lodgement email to keep the con going.

Where Rental Scammers Lurk

Online marketplaces and social media platforms are common hotspots for these scams. Fake property listings and responses to “rental wanted” ads are the main tactics used to attract victims.

How to Avoid Falling Victim

• Be wary of rental listings that seem underpriced for the area.
• Never rely on photos alone—perform a reverse image search to verify them.
• Search the property address online to confirm its existence and who is listing it.
• Always inspect the property before signing or paying anything.
• Only deal with landlords you’ve met face-to-face or through a licensed real estate agent.
• Only pay money after receiving keys and a signed lease agreement (Form 1AA).
• Be cautious of requests for direct bank transfers unless you’re certain the recipient is a licensed agent.

Need Help or Suspect a Scam?

If something feels off or you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, contact WA ScamNet immediately at 1300 30 40 54.

Stay informed and alert—your best defence against rental fraud is knowing what to look for before it’s too late.