General News
28 August, 2026
Beware of rental scams
AUTHORITIES are urging locals to take caution amidst the current rental crisis, following an increase in reports of rental fraud.
Detectives from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating a situation after a 23-year-old man was left empty-handed recently.
The young man made contact with an unknown person through a local social media group, planning to rent a property. He then signed a contract and deposited bond and rent payments to a bank account but did not receive access to the property.
Detectives are urging locals to take caution when connecting with strangers on social media and never transfer money or provide credit card details to someone you don’t know.
Cairns CIB Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Alina Bell said scammers will target vulnerable people, often new to the area.
“No matter how legitimate someone may appear online, never send them money, card or bank details,” she said.
“Ensure there are official rental agreements in place or meet in person before transferring funds.”
Victims of a scam, or anyone with information relating to a scam, can report it via https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report
Victims of identity theft or fraud can find options for support services at https://www.idcare.org/individuals
