Australian Backpacker Housing Scam

So I can imagine this happens all over the world, but this was the first time I have experienced it. And I have also heard that this has happened to people on working holiday visas, here in Australia. So backpackers, BEWARE!

I have been living in a hostel now for about 1.5 weeks and it a great place. Habitat HQ, on St. Kilda is a backpackers dream hostel. Full sized kitchen, nice showers, clean toilets, awesome staff, amazing people and only $144 per week. This is a fairly cheap accommodation for backpackers in Melbourne.

That being said, I am looking for my own place. Websites or apps like FLATMATES.COM is a great resource to look for your own place to live. I am actively searching for a shared house for a reasonable price in a nice area like Richmond, for example.

Let's get to scam now.

Last night I received an email from flatmates.com stating there was a fully furnished flat on King St, which is right in the CBD. Prime location. Beautiful looking flat. Utilities included all for the LOW, LOW price of $190/ week. Can this be true. I had to explore it further.

Here is what the flat owner emailed me.

He also sent a flat registration form for me to fill out.

*The name used by the user was a fake name, PS.*

Eager and somewhat naive, I responded asking for more information. I asked for things like a lower price, maybe $170/ week. I also asked to see the place before committing to the deal.

This was the response. *Again, this is a fake name*

So basically, this guy/ girl wanted me to send $400 overseas to America, in HOPES of receiving a key. Interesting!!! My suspicion grew the longer the conversation went, but the last email response to me really alarmed me of this scam.

To all travelers, backpackers, working holiday visa people in Australia or all over the world. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is a SCAM.

Please be careful and aware of potential scams like this that you may encounter.

Ways to find out it is a scam ...

1) Ask to see the place before hand. If they say no, AVOID!

2) Ask for phone number to see if the person is legit.

3) Ask for a time to meet, even if it isn't at the place.

4) Make sure there is a legal document for leasing presented to you. If it looks like this, it's 100% a scam.

Hope this article helps anyone looking for a flat, or a friend of yours. If you found this helpful, please share and pass this on to create more awareness.

Happy house hunting!

-AA