Former year’s imposters who have committed fraud towards freshmen has led to that also Blocket has raised its security. Starting December last year, it is forbidden to ask for payment in advance in a housing ad.
Also this semester there are imposters who are trying to benefit from the freshmen who sometimes desperately hunt for housing. But instead of a contract and housing the freshmen have been tricked on the payment in advance. This has lead to actions on security from Blocket, the web based buy and sell site. Today we have a demand on those who wants to rent, not to ask for payment in advance.
”We also have information by the ad leading to a report if the landlord violates this rule”, Thomas Bäcker says, responsible for customer security at Blocket.
Rule of assurance in the ad
This rule was introduced by Blocket in December 2012. According to Thomas Bäcker the police in Skåne, Göteborg and Stockholm have seen a reduction in the number of housing frauds connected to ads on Blocket.
”Irresponsible housing advertisers using Blocket is a very small fraction of all responsible advertisers. We get feedback from the police, and that the advertiser now has to assure that the rule of assurance is mentioned in the ad has led to fewer frauds”, Thomas Bäcker says.
There is a checklist
Two years ago frauds regarding housing ads on Blocket committed in the university cities peaked. Today the tough housing situation has reached all parts of the country.
”You can for instance see how the prices on rent in Stockholm can be found in parts of Norrbotten, Thomas Bäcker says.
He also tells us that Blocket has introduced a checklist published at the housing ads, where the person interested in renting is reminded to be on the alert.
”There is no judicious landlord who not is interested in meeting his/her tenant before payment. I you are unsure, ask the advertiser about for instance the owner of the housing and check if the information given is correct”, Thomas Bäcker says.
Text: Carl-Johan Kullving
Text: Lars Jansson
