University students will be preparing to start or return to their studies this month, and so it seems will fake landlords.

The City of London Police’s Action Fraud service, which alerts the public about potential issues of concern, has found alleged fraudsters are targeting college and university students ahead of the start of the new term with fake lettings in local accommodation, taking advantage of huge demand to collect fees upfront to secure a deposit.

However it has stopped short of naming who the fake landlords are and where they are listing.

Action Fraud is urging students to use only reputable lettings companies and to make sure they do their research and view the property before handing over a deposit.

Officers said in a statement: “Autumn months see a big rise in rental market properties, with first-year freshers and returning students looking online to find houses for let.

“Bogus adverts appearing on a series of websites are offering houses which are already rented out to other tenants, not owned by the landlord or don’t even exist in the area advertised.

“Fraudsters are advertising properties to rent at attractive rates and in excellent locations to lure in victims. Adverts will seem genuine and are accompanied by photos and contact information.

“However, fake landlords then trick victims who show interest into handing over a fee even before they’ve had a chance to view the house or flat, claiming the property is in high demand and will be off the market if they don’t act fast.”

A spokesman said the fake landlords and listings websites couldn’t be named. This obviously makes it harder to spot a fake if you don’t know where they are listing in the first place.

This would particularly affect new students looking for somewhere to live now as existing undergraduates would have found places to live in advance earlier in the year.