The con: To carry off what has become known as the rental scam, hustlers get access to empty homes - either by breaking in, working as house-sitters or via rogue estate agents - then advertise the property as available to let.

Tips on how to trip up tricksters Remember the old adage; if it looks too good to be true, it probably is Don’t be taken in by uniforms - always double check IDs Don’t be afraid to make follow-up calls to check people are who they say they are Don’t handover over cash or valuables under pressure If suspicious about any “official” phone calls you receive - contact the company HQ

While showing would-be tenants around, another member of the con team phones offering a deposit on the flat or house. The pressure is then on for the victim to cough up money immediately to secure the tenancy.

Of course, the home isn’t available to let and the victim is often left hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Avoiding it: To avoid being stung by this one, experts advise that people always check out the company claiming to rent the property and do not hand over money under pressure.

And remember, paying by cheque offers people no more protection than simply handing over cash. Fraudsters will cash cheques as quickly as possible before victims realised they’ve been duped.