Defrauded by a woman called Patricia
After spending 11 years abroad, we decided to return to South Africa permanently. We hunted houses for rent online through web searches and also posts on social media. A woman called Patricia Govender messaged my husband on Facebook to introduce herself, saying that she was a rental agent who got our details from a mutual friend. She had several beautiful houses for rent in the Southern Peninsula, Cape Town, and they were well priced too. We were impressed with her service; she would send us photos of the houses and their surrounds, and kept in touch daily, taking interest in our family. She said she chose to take special care of us because of our mutual friend. We thought we had gotten really lucky.
We chose a house in Fish Hoek that seemed like a bargain; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage and a fenced garden for R8000 p/m. The deposit was two months' rent, and an 'administration fee' of R1500, which we felt we'd gladly give. My husband was a bit alarmed that we had to make the payment into what seemed like a private bank account but 'Patricia' found a way to assure him. We paid R17 500 into the account, and never heard from her again. I emailed and we tried to call numerous times, but the email address stopped working, and of course the phone number didn't exist. Our 'mutual' friend later denied knowing any such person.
GRIEVANCES
Fraudulent Representation
Illegal Acts
MESSAGE
FROM Patricia Govender
Numerous emails, to an address which stopped existing after we made payment.
ADVICE
FROM Mila
Do your research well and rather use a known, reputable agent when you have to rent from abroad. Also, be careful with your Facebook settings for who can read your posts. We were easy prey!