Rental Scams Explode in Broome Amid Housing Crisis

Broome Renters Beware: Sophisticated Scams Target Desperate Housing Seekers Broome, Western Australia is experiencing a rental crisis, with average weekly rents reaching \$1,050. This has created a fertile ground for sophisticated rental scams that are preying on vulnerable renters. Ange Inns, from Kimberley Consumer Protection, states, "It's obviously a tough time in the rental market. It's even tougher for people that are needing to find a place urgently." The video showcases several examples of fraudulent listings on social media platforms, all appearing too good to be true, with prices significantly below market value. One renter, Lorenzo Pietribasi, shared his experience of being contacted by four scammers in a single month, all attempting to obtain his personal information. "You're trying to sort that out where you're going to sleep for the next month or whatever, and then, all you see is fake." he said. Consumer protection agencies warn the public to be wary of such listings and to never hand over funds or personal information before viewing a property. They advise checking property listings against official real estate websites and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities. This proactive approach can help protect vulnerable renters from falling victim to these increasingly common scams.