People looking for rented accommodation in Dundee have been warned about a new fraudulent scheme uncovered by the Scottish Scambusters team.

Flats for rent are advertised online, often targeted at overseas students, which rarely provide an address for the property and limited contact details for the landlord.

Once tenants have made an enquiry, the landlord emails back requiring money to be sent upfront via a money transfer system, before any viewing has taken place.

A spokesman for Scottish Scambusters, based in Dundee, said: "This sort of practice is often aimed at international students who are eager to find accommodation before they go to university.

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"All too often the money paid via these transfer systems goes straight into the so-called landlord's pocket outside the UK and is never seen again."

Craig Melville Vice Convener of Dundee City Council's environmental protection committee said: "A legitimate landlord in Dundee would never ask for money up front, and certainly not until a viewing had taken place.

"Dundee City Council operates a landlord registration scheme and I would encourage anyone seeking accommodation in the city to contact us to make sure that the offer is legitimate."

Any information on scams can be passed on through Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, by visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or to local trading standards officers on 01382 436260.