How do I protect myself from scammers?

How do we ensure your safety and security?

TheShareHouse.co.uk has a dedicated full-time Moderation Team to provide support and ensure that individuals utilising our platform are exclusively seeking shared accommodation or flatshares, and nothing beyond that.

Complaints

If you encounter any discomfort regarding a listing or experience inappropriate behavior from a member, kindly utilize the "report this listing" button situated on the right-hand side of the member's listing. This action will promptly alert a member of our moderation team to review the respective member's account.

How do I protect myself from scammers?

Always make contact through the website

Scammers will usually request your contact details to communicate outside of the website, making it challenging for us to monitor their actions (e.g. via WhatsApp or email), and often refrain from engaging in video chats or phone calls. Utilizing the website's messaging system for communication enables us to alert you promptly should we identify any suspicious activity related to their listing.

Never pay any money before viewing

Most scammers are advertising a property that doesn’t exist. Scammers will rarely offer you a property viewing or meeting with them. Most listings made by a scammer will be a one-bedroom or studio property, so they can convince you that no one is available to show you the property. They will request upfront payment and promise to courier you the keys.

Never transfer money to someone you have never met, or for a property you have never seen.

Signs of a scammer
 -The offer is too good to be true (very cheap and very nice).
- They have wild stories about sickness, urgent business, or being overseas.
- They want to send you the keys via DHL or express post.
- They cannot show you the property.

Tip

If you’re overseas, a video call is the best way to view a property and meet potential flatmates. Scammers will, in most cases, never offer or accept a video call.

What measures can I undertake to safeguard the privacy of my information?

The messaging system on thesharehouse.co.uk has been meticulously crafted to offer simplicity and security. Utilize this system to communicate with fellow members regarding their property.

Once you feel at ease, leverage our messaging platform to exchange contact information and coordinate property inspections. Under no circumstances should you transmit copies of your identification, bank details, or login credentials to individuals you haven't met. If identification verification is necessary, it can be presented in person during the inspection.

If you're listing a room for rent in your residence, refrain from uploading images displaying the exterior of your property from a street view. Only disclose your address to members when you are comfortable doing so.

Tip

If a copy of your identification is necessary, kindly furnish these documents in person. Under no circumstances should copies of your identification be transmitted via email or text to individuals whom you have not personally met.

Meeting flatshare and inspecting the property

Arranging a meeting to view a potential flatshare and conducting an inspection of the property are vital steps in the quest for the ideal home. It's imperative never to commit to, or place a deposit on, a property without first inspecting it.

Before attending the viewing, ensure you have obtained the complete address and contact information of the individual you'll be meeting. Inform someone trustworthy of your whereabouts and estimated duration, or consider bringing a companion along.

During the viewing, take your time and resist any pressure to make an immediate decision. If you require additional time to deliberate, politely inform the landlord of your intention to do so.

Verify that the individual is indeed a resident and possesses the authority to rent out the room. Request to see documentation substantiating this claim, such as a lease agreement, a driver's license with a matching address, or an electricity bill bearing their name and address.

Should you encounter any discomfort, or uncertainty, or discover any misrepresentation in the listing, it's advisable to exit the situation promptly and report the matter to thesharehouse.co.uk Team.

Tip

If you feel apprehensive or uncertain about inspecting the property, consider bringing a friend along for support and reassurance.