The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has sounded the alarm over the rise of fake house rental agents in Malaysia, who pose as legitimate professionals to scam unsuspecting tenants, especially foreign students.

According to Fomca secretary-general Dr. Saravanan Thambirajah, these scammers use fake business cards, online ads, and social media profiles to appear credible. They arrange property viewings and create a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims to pay deposits for non-existent rentals. Once the money is transferred, the scammers vanish.

Dr. Saravanan highlighted that foreign students are particularly vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with local rental practices and limited access to reliable information.

To avoid falling victim, Dr. Saravanan advises tenants to verify agents’ credentials with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and avoid making payments to personal bank accounts. Renters should also insist on stamped tenancy agreements and official payment receipts.

He called on government authorities and educational institutions to educate the public and foreign students about these scams. Victims are urged to report cases to the police and contact the National Scam Response Centre via the hotline 997.

Fomca’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to exercise caution when dealing with rental transactions and to ensure proper verification to prevent financial losses.