Dodgy landlord fears for students

Students in Oxfordshire are being warned about fraudulent landlords who are asking for a deposit before allowing the property to be viewed.

Since the end of May, police have received 10 reports where money has been sent and not returned.

In each case, nine in Oxford and one in Abingdon, landlords have insisted the deposit is transferred into a bank account before viewing the property.

All had been advertised through sites on the internet.

Pc Claire Beach, of Thames Valley Police, said: "I would like to urge students to be sensible and vigilant when they are looking for places to stay next year.

"It is advisable that students are made aware of these scams before sending their deposit money through.

"I appeal to anyone who has been a victim and not yet reported it to the police or has any information that can help me with my investigation to contact me."

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