Port Elizabeth police warn of hoax accommodation offered to students online

Police in Port Elizabeth are warning students and parents to be wary when looking for accommodation to rent in the City after a person was duped by applying for accommodation via the internet.

"It is alleged that an 18-year-old applied for student accommodation after viewing an advertisement on a well-known internet site," said police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.

"The student contacted the person in the advertisement and a deposit of R3 500 was deposited into the person’s account in order to secure the accommodation.

"Photos of the place was also sent to the complainant."

She said that on Tuesday, the complainant went to view the place only to discover that the Summerstrand address supplied, does not exist.

"Further communication between the complainant and the ‘lessor’ proved futile," added Colonel Naidu.

"During this time of the year, fraudsters are aware that many students will be looking for accommodation and they will take full advantage on the vulnerable.

"Students are advised not to deposit any money without having solid proof of a guaranteed accommodation.  Police are investigating a case of Fraud."