A GROUP representing landlords in Merseyside is offering free advice to students and their families, amid fears of an accommodation scam.
Reports in the national media at the weekend claimed bogus landlords were duping students seeking accommodation.
The BBC interviewed a Canadian student who had answered an internet advert offering accommodation.
He sent money up front, but the landlord turned out to be bogus.
Richard Globe, secretary of the Merseyside and Wirral Property Landlord Action Group, says that students and their parents seeking accommodation in Merseyside should be on their guard against the conmen.
He told LDP Business: “It is important we warn those students and their parents looking to rent a property within the private rented sector in university towns for the first time.
“In response to this issue, the action group is providing a free advice and helpline to both concerned students and their parents.”
The contact number, up to 10pm Monday to Friday, is 0151 639 6253 – or alternatively e-mails can be sent to landlordsactiongroup@gmail.com
