INNOCENT home hunters are being scammed out of hundreds of pounds by unscrupulous fraudsters who take money from them to rent properties which don't exist.

North Yorkshire Police say some have even ended up homeless after giving notice on their own properties. Officers say there has been a run of complaints from people who have handed over money in advance payments for rent on flats and houses in the county advertised on Facebook.

But the properties never materialise and the 'landlord' vanishes once payments have been made.

The tennants pay the money as advance rent without viewing the property on the promise that they will receive the keys in the post but the keys never arrive and all contact is then cut off.

The scammers use the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse for the tenant being unable to view the property in person and instead send photos from which the tenant decides to go ahead with renting.

North Yorkshire Police Financial Investigator, Kevin Ross said the fraud was used some years ago but the Covid-19 pandemic has given scammers an excuse to hide behind and it there has been a resurgence.

He added:"This is a tactic we saw used a few years ago but then it seems to have had a resurgence with scammers finding yet another way to take advantage of the current situation with Covid-19.

"Not only has it already resulted in victims losing hundreds of pounds but it’s also meant in some cases they have been left with nowhere to live, having given notice on their current properties.

"My advice to anyone dealing with a private landlord is never to pay any money until you’ve made certain checks. Make sure the property is real by visiting it and inspecting both inside and out.

"Ensure the person who claims to be the landlord is the legal owner and able to rent it to you. Ask to see the landlord’s Land Registry papers to prove ownership or for £3 you can search property ownership information on the Land Registry website.

"Ask for photo ID from the landlord to check they are the person they claim to be. Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas Electricity or Licences. If the landlord asks you to transfer money to a bank account that is not in their name, this is very likely a scam,don't make any payments."

Victims of rental fraud are asked to call 101 and report it to the police.