If anyone is in immediate danger, being threatened, or unsafe, call 000 now. If money is missing, call your bank first, then report the scam to police or ReportCyber. For identity risk, consider IDCARE. For cyber advice, call 1300 CYBER1.
Free first check before you pay for help.Some tech callouts can cost around $199 or more for simple scam checks. Your IT & Tech Mates built these free tools to help you slow down, check safely, and only book hands-on help when you really need it.Use free checker
Rental and bond scam safety
Rental / Bond Scam Checker
Check a rental listing, bond request, urgent deposit, room offer or landlord message before you send money or identity documents.
Built for Australians who need a calm first check before paying, clicking, installing software, sharing codes or sending personal details.
Privacy reminder: Do not enter passwords, one-time codes, card numbers, Medicare details, licence details or private documents. Tick the warning signs only.
Your IT & Tech Mates Rental Bond Scam Checker Australia hero image showing a renter checking a suspicious rental listing, deposit request and bond payment before paying, with simple local scam safety guidance.Answers stay on this page
Triage first
What happened? Choose the safest starting point.
Use this as a first-check triage system. Start with the situation, then move to the safest next step before paying for help.
Safety rule: If money is missing, contact your bank first. If anyone is unsafe or threatened, call 000. Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card numbers or ID details in these tools.
User-tested safety flow
Designed for the moment people feel rushed or unsure.
This tool now gives a clearer path for three real situations: checking before acting, helping someone else, or recovering after money/details were shared.
Before acting
Do not pay bond/deposit or send identity documents before you have verified the listing and contact details.
Safest first step
Verify the property, agent, owner and payment path before sending bond, rent, deposit or identity documents.
If something already happened
If money or identity documents were sent, call your bank first for payments and secure identity/accounts if documents were shared.
Free scam safety helper
Tick what applies.
The result gives a simple risk level, what to avoid, and the safest next action.
Before I actUse this page first, then verify through official details.
Already actedSelect Yes below so the result switches into urgent triage steps.
Helping someoneUse the no-shame share block and keep private details out of messages.
Share this safety check
Help someone check before they click, pay or share details.
Scams spread fast. Sharing this free checker with a parent, friend or work colleague may help them pause before they lose money or share personal information.
Share with renters, students or anyone moving home before they transfer money.
Before paying a rental deposit, bond or first rent payment, check the listing and payment request first. This free Australian rental scam checker may help: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/rental-bond-scam-checker.html
I’m helping someone else
Use a gentle, no-blame approach. The goal is to slow things down and keep them safe.
Do not blame or shame them.
Ask them not to reply, pay, click or install anything yet.
Check the message, caller, payment or website together.
Save screenshots, numbers, links and receipts.
Get help if money, passwords, identity details or remote access were involved.
Your IT & Tech Mates
Rental / Bond Scam Checker
Stop. Check. Stay Safe. A quick first-check guide for Australians.
Warning signs
Urgent deposit before inspection
Bank transfer only
Listing photos look copied
Landlord or agent details do not verify
Requests for ID documents before trust is established
Next safe steps
Do not rush the deposit
Verify the property address and agent independently
Inspect safely or confirm a legitimate inspection process
Check the payment method and recipient
Get help if you paid or shared ID documents
Free checker: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/rental-bond-scam-checker.html Need local help? Call 0452 323 571.
Why rental and bond scams work
Rental pressure makes people rush. Scammers use a good price, a believable story and fear of missing out to push renters into paying before checking.
A safe rental payment should be connected to a verified property, verified contact, proper paperwork and a payment path you can explain later.
What to do if it feels urgent
Do not send bond, deposit or ID documents while you feel rushed.
Verify the property through a trusted property platform, agency website or official contact details.
Search the address and images to see if the listing appears elsewhere with different contact details.
If money was already sent, call your bank first and save every message, profile, listing URL and receipt.
If identity documents were shared, secure accounts and consider IDCARE or official identity support pathways.
