- Rental Scams
- WA Consumer Protection
- Online Fraud
Rental scammers are impersonating WA Consumer Protection with fake bond emails to con tenants into paying for fake rentals. Learn how to protect yourself.
Fake Bond Emails Target WA Renters in New Scam
Scammers are increasingly impersonating Western Australia’s Consumer Protection agency in a sophisticated new rental scam, sending fake bond confirmation emails to trick would-be tenants into paying upfront for properties that don’t exist.
WA ScamNet Raises Alarm on Rising Scam Reports
According to WA ScamNet, 2025 has already seen 35 rental scam reports, with 12 victims losing a combined $27,875—figures that are expected to surpass the entirety of 2024’s losses. The scam typically involves fraudsters using stolen WA Government branding and trademarks to forge emails that appear to be from the official Bonds Administration team.
One recent case involved a man whose first language wasn’t English. After meeting a fake landlord and being told the property couldn’t be inspected due to current tenants, he was sent a convincing fake bond lodgement email and lost $2,400 in the process.
How the Scam Works
- Scammers post fake rental listings, often on social media or online marketplaces.
- They claim the property can’t be viewed due to current tenants or other reasons.
- Once an upfront payment is made, the victim receives a fake bond confirmation email with stolen government branding.
- Scammers then request additional payments for upfront rent or other fake charges.
Key Red Flag: The Email Address
WA’s Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Trish Blake, said the most obvious giveaway is the sender’s email address. “While scammers can replicate many things, they can’t make their email addresses originate from the state government,” she warned.
Consumers are urged to hover over any suspicious email addresses and verify that they end in wa.gov.au. If not, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Nationwide Scam Surge
This scam is part of a wider trend, with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) reporting nearly $120 million in scam losses nationwide in just the first four months of 2025. Phishing scams, especially those impersonating government and financial institutions, have caused the biggest spike, rising to $13.7 million—up from $4.6 million the previous year.
How to Stay Safe When Renting
- Always inspect the property in person or go through a licensed real estate agent.
- Be wary of listings with unusually low rent—they’re often bait to lure victims.
- Never transfer funds without verifying the legitimacy of the landlord or agent.
- Confirm bond lodgement details only come from wa.gov.au email addresses.
- Search property images and addresses to confirm they’re not stolen or duplicated.
- Demand a signed lease and keys before paying any money.
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but so can tenants. By taking these simple precautions, you can avoid becoming the next victim of rental fraud.