Police warning following attempted rental property scam

Fraudster asking for large deposit payment

Police are warning people to be vigilant online after a scam which nearly saw a couple conned out of a 'large amount of money'.

The duo had posted an advert looking for a property to rent on the Isle of Man.

They were contacted by someone using a fake Facebook profile, offering a rental, asking for a large deposit up-front.

Officers say the couple realised the ad was bogus as the fraudster had copied and pasted the details from a genuine home for sale on Island.

Residents are being warned to be wary of offers which look too good to be true and report any potential scams to the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance (OCSIA).