Police have received several reports of a rental property rental scam involving the Chinese community.

The scammers are targeting China-based people who are seeking rental accommodation in New Zealand, and in particular the Auckland city area.

Unfortunately, this not a new scam and targets victims through different platforms, says a police spokesperson.

"We are seeing reports of this scam recently being advertised on a popular New Zealand-based Chinese web forum.

"In all instances, the scammers are posing as legitimate landlords or real estate agents."

Police say a person seeking a rental property is usually asked to make contact with the supposed landlord or agent over the messaging app WeChat.

The scammer will send alleged proof of identity through to the renter, usually in the form of a real-looking passport photo or official-looking document.

The renter is then asked to digitally sign a false tenancy agreement and transfer money, usually thousands of dollars, to a New Zealand-based bank account to secure the rental property.

"The scammer often asks the renter for more money, again usually in the thousands to reserve the property, telling them a New Zealand-based tenant was also interested in the property," says police.

"If the China-based renter does not pay, the property would be rented out to the New Zealand-based renter, and they would lose it.

"Often, the victim is asked for a third payment, to make sure the rental property is furnished.

"Upon arriving in New Zealand however, the renter soon learns they have been scammed, when they discover that their supposed rental property is already occupied.

"Police understand that these offences can be very believable.

"They can be carried out from anywhere in the world and are prevalent on many online platforms especially social platforms."

Therefore, before giving people money or making an agreement, it is essential you consider:

• Never transfer money to an individual or organisation that you can't verify as legitimate.
• A legitimate landlord or real estate agent will have a website, generally a physical address, and you should be able to speak to more than one person from that organisation.
• If possible, get a New Zealand-based friend or family member to view the alleged rental property to prove it is legitimate.
• If you believe you are being currently targeted by a scam that sounds like this, please end contact immediately and get in touch with Police. 
• Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam, it probably is.
• For further information of how to keep safe online, or to report suspected scams, please go to https://netsafe.org.nz/
• You can also find prevention advice at https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/cybercrime-and-internet