Read this before you pay, share or meet
Never send money before you have viewed the property, verified who you are dealing with and received clear written terms. A genuine opportunity will still stand up to sensible checks.
The three rules that prevent most scams
- Pause when you feel pressure. “Pay now,” “someone else is waiting” and “this offer ends today” are reasons to slow down—not reasons to pay.
- See and verify. View the actual property, check that the details match the listing and confirm the advertiser is entitled to offer it.
- Keep proof. Use traceable payments, get a receipt and save all messages, listing details and documents.
Before a viewing
Arrange viewings in daylight where possible. Tell someone where you are going, take a trusted person if you can and do not meet an advertiser somewhere unrelated to the property. Check the address, locks, utilities and condition while you are there.
Before sharing personal details
Do not send banking details, passwords, one-time codes or unnecessary identity documents through messages. A request for sensitive information before a proper viewing or agreement is a warning sign.
Before you pay anything
Read the agreement, know exactly what the payment covers and use a traceable method. If the advertiser will not allow a viewing, refuses written terms, changes the story or asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency or a rushed transfer—do not pay. Walk away and report it.
If something feels wrong
Stop replying if you need to. Save screenshots and payment records. Report the listing or message through Jamaica Homes, contact your bank promptly if you have paid money, and report suspected fraud to the relevant authorities. You do not need to prove a scam before raising a concern.
Make progress at your pace
Safety check: do not skip these steps
Complete these checks before you pay, share information or commit to a property.
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What you need to know
The essential guidance for this topic.
- 1Recognise the warning signs of a rental or property scam before you respond.
- 2Prepare for a safer viewing and know what to check at the property.
- 3Use a clear checklist to check condition, utilities, safety and key questions.
- 4Keep your information and payments protected throughout the process.
- 5Report suspicious listings quickly so they can be reviewed.
- 6Know how to block and report unsafe or abusive behaviour.
When in doubt, pause
Take the safer next step
No listing or message is worth rushing into. Use the right guide before you share information, arrange a viewing or make a payment.