As international relocations reach an all-time high, warnings have been issued to would-be expats and families about a growing epidemic of scams preying on individuals making large, cross-border payments. With thousands being duped out of millions each year, it's essential that those planning to move abroad take drastic measures to protect themselves from falling victim.
A key entry point for these fraudsters is rental scams, with Action Fraud reporting a staggering 5,000 cases in 2024, resulting in £9 million worth of losses. The average individual was left out of pocket by approximately £1,400. Typically, scammers lift genuine property listings from reputable websites and re-post them with altered contact details. Unsuspecting renters are then pressurised into making bank transfers to secure a property they've never seen, only for the scammer to vanish once the money is transferred.
Younger individuals relocating abroad are disproportionately affected by rental scams. According to Action Fraud's 2024 data, nearly half of all victims were aged between 18 and 29, with a further quarter falling within the 30-39 age range. To avoid falling prey, it's crucial for those in England and Wales to verify that any letting agent is registered with an approved redress scheme, such as the Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme. Legitimate rental deposits should always be paid into a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme, not directly into a landlord's or agent's personal account.
Rogue removal companies pose another significant threat to expats. These firms often lure customers in with unrealistically low quotes. Once belongings are loaded onto the truck, either at the destination or during transit, a revised invoice is presented, typically including previously unmentioned charges for fuel surcharges, stair carries, weight overages, or access fees. The removal company then refuses to unload the goods until the inflated amount is paid. In some cases, belongings are placed into storage and held hostage for additional payments, while in extreme instances, they're never recovered at all.
The British Association of Removers (BAR) advises consumers to seek out its members, who adhere to a strict code of practice, carry professional indemnity cover, and participate in advance payment guarantee schemes designed to safeguard customers if the company defaults. Similarly, the National Guild of Removers and Storers operates a parallel protection scheme. Both organisations offer a level of assurance against companies that might otherwise abscond with deposits or hold possessions for ransom.