Scam alert: Lake Macquarie renters warned

Police have warned would-be renters in the Lake Macquarie area of scammers copying genuine rental advertisements.

After finding rental listings on legitimate sites, the scammers reportedly copy the information and post it to a community and classifieds site.

Interested renters make contact, but are then told they must pay rent up-front before getting access to the property. The scammers cease contact as soon as the money is handed over.

According to NSW Police, there are a few common warning signs for this type of fraud.

They include landlords who mention money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram or claims the landlord is uncontactable or lives overseas. Scammers may also claim the renters aren't allowed to visit the property before delivering the money, or put the renter under a lot of pressure to pay the money.