When Scams Sound Real: A 2026 Guide to Safer Rental Payments

In the past, a poorly written email or obvious spelling mistake could expose a fraudulent message. Today, scammers can produce polished emails, realistic WhatsApp messages and even cloned voice notes. A payment request may look or sound familiar, but still be fake.

Pause before you pay

Whether you rent a home, office or retail space in Johannesburg or Pretoria, take extra care whenever money is involved.

Before making a payment:

• Treat an unexpected change in banking details as a warning sign
• Check the sender’s full email address or cellphone number
• Be cautious of links, attachments and QR codes
• Confirm the beneficiary details before approving the transaction
• Never share your PIN, password or one-time PIN (OTP)
• Verify unusual requests through contact details you already trust

Commercial tenants can add another layer of protection by asking a second authorised person to approve new beneficiaries or changes to banking details.

Urgency is a warning sign

Scammers often create pressure with messages such as “pay immediately”, “your account is overdue” or “use these new banking details today”. Their aim is to make you act before you have time to check.

A genuine payment process allows time for verification. Slow down, review the information and confirm anything unexpected.

Unsure? Contact us first

If you receive a suspicious payment request or notice unfamiliar banking details, do not reply using the contact information in that message. Contact City Property directly through our official website or the details you already have and ask us to confirm.

AI may have made scams more polished, but one simple habit remains powerful: pause, verify and only then pay. A quick check could protect your money, personal information and peace of mind.