Safety and Scam Advice

At TheRelinkedUk, we want you to have a safe and positive experience. Unfortunately, scammers and fraudsters sometimes target people looking for rooms or jobs. This page will help you spot the warning signs and stay safe.

Never Send Money Before Viewing a Room

One of the most common scams involves asking for money before you have seen a property in person. Scammers may ask for a deposit, holding fee, or advance rent payment before you have viewed the room or met the landlord.

Legitimate landlords will not ask you to send money before you have viewed the property and signed a tenancy agreement. Always insist on viewing a room in person before making any payment.

If someone pressures you to send money quickly or claims that other people are interested and you need to act fast, this is a red flag. Take your time and do not let anyone rush you into making a decision.

Confirm Listings Are Genuine

Before you commit to a room or a job, make sure the listing is genuine. Scammers sometimes post fake listings with attractive prices or salaries to lure people in.

For room listings, ask to view the property in person. Check that the address matches the listing and that the person showing you the property is the landlord or an authorised agent. You can also search for the address online to see if the same property is advertised elsewhere at a different price.

For job listings, research the company online. Check their website, read reviews, and verify that the job posting is legitimate. Be cautious if the company has no online presence or if the job description seems too good to be true.

Avoid Unusual Payment Methods

Scammers often ask for payment using methods that are difficult to trace or reverse, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to foreign bank accounts.

Legitimate landlords and employers will accept standard payment methods such as bank transfers to a UK bank account or cheques. If someone asks you to pay using gift cards, Bitcoin, or any other unusual method, this is a major warning sign.

Never send money to someone you have not met in person, and never use a payment method that you are not comfortable with.

Verify the Identity of Landlords and Employers

Before you agree to rent a room or accept a job offer, verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. Ask for proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport, and check that the name matches the name on the listing.

For landlords, you can also ask to see proof that they own the property or have permission to rent it out. This could be a copy of the title deeds or a letter from the property owner.

For employers, check that the person contacting you works for the company they claim to represent. You can do this by calling the company directly using a phone number from their official website, not the number provided in the job listing.

Report Suspicious Behaviour

If you see a listing that looks suspicious, or if someone contacts you with a request that does not feel right, please report it to us immediately. We take all reports seriously and will investigate any suspicious activity.

You can report suspicious behaviour by contacting us using the details below. Please provide as much information as possible, including the listing URL, the name of the person you are dealing with, and details of any suspicious requests or behaviour.

By reporting scams and suspicious activity, you help us keep TheRelinkedUk safe for everyone.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your instincts and do not be afraid to walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable.

If a landlord or employer is evasive, refuses to meet in person, or pressures you to make a quick decision, these are warning signs. Take your time, ask questions, and do not proceed if you have any doubts.

Your safety is more important than any room or job opportunity. If anything feels unsafe, stop communication and contact us for advice.

Meeting in Person Safely

When you arrange to view a property or attend a job interview, always meet in a public place or at the property address during daylight hours. Bring a friend or family member with you if possible.

Let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be back. Share the address and contact details of the person you are meeting with a trusted friend or family member.

If you feel uncomfortable at any point during a viewing or interview, leave immediately. Your safety is the most important thing.