High riskRental & Housing Scams

Rent Payment Portal Scam

In this scam, tenants receive a fake rent payment portal link or 'updated landlord bank details', diverting their rent to a scammer instead of the genuine landlord or letting agent.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Payment diversion (rental)
Main red flag
A new rent portal link or 'changed' landlord bank details sent by message.
What to do first
Verify any payment change with your landlord or agent through known contacts.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, tenants receive a fake rent payment portal link or 'updated landlord bank details', diverting their rent to a scammer instead of the genuine landlord or letting agent.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'We've switched rent payment systems. Pay this month's rent through our new portal here: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A new rent portal or payment link sent unexpectedly
  • 'Updated' landlord or agent bank details
  • Pressure to pay promptly to avoid arrears
  • A link or page that is not the official system
  • Contact from a slightly different email or number

What to do

  • Verify any payment change with your landlord or agent using known contacts
  • Use only the established, agreed rent payment method
  • Confirm new bank details through a second trusted channel
  • Report suspicious portals and emails

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid the wrong account, contact your bank immediately to try to recover it
  • Alert your genuine landlord or agent
  • Report the fraud to your bank and authority
  • Review whether your or their email was compromised

What not to do

  • Do not pay rent through a new link without verifying
  • Do not change payment details on a message alone
  • Do not let arrears warnings rush you

Similar scams

High risk Rental

Fake Letting Agent Scam

A fake letting agent or 'property manager' posts convincing rental adverts, sometimes copied from real listings, then collects holding deposits, referencing fees or a first month's rent from several hopeful applicants at once. Once the money is in, the agent disappears and the property is never let. Verifying the agent is genuine and refusing to pay before viewing the property and seeing proper contracts are the strongest protections.
High risk Bank & Payment

Invoice Redirection Scam

In this scam, fraudsters posing as a supplier or contractor email that their bank details have changed, so your next invoice payment is diverted to the scammer's account instead of the genuine business.
High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Frequently asked questions

How does rent payment diversion work?
Scammers send a fake portal link or 'new bank details', sometimes after compromising an email, so your rent goes to them instead of your landlord.
How do I verify a payment change?
Contact your landlord or agent using known, trusted details, not those in the message, and confirm any change through a second channel.
I paid the wrong account. What now?
Contact your bank immediately to try to recover it, alert your genuine landlord or agent, and report the fraud.
How should I pay rent safely?
Use the established, agreed method, and treat any unexpected change of portal or bank details as suspicious until verified.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.