An American woman who paid £1.3k to rent a flat in Edinburgh was shocked to discover upon arrival that the flat did not exist. Olivia Ellen Homer, who had flown in from Chicago with her cat Ladybug, had already paid a deposit and the first two months’ rent for what she believed was her new home in Scotland. She had found the accommodation through social media and had been communicating with someone she thought was her future roommate, who then put her in touch with a ‘landlord’.
Upon arriving in Edinburgh on January 6, Olivia went to pick up the keys to her new flat, only to find out that the address she had been given belonged to a family home that did not rent out rooms. Despite trying to get in touch with the supposed landlord, Olivia was blocked. Although the police in Scotland were helpful, they informed Olivia that there was little they could do as the crime had been committed while she was still in the US. She was advised to contact authorities back in Chicago.
Olivia’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others looking for accommodation online. She warned that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Olivia shared that she had asked many questions and done what she thought was necessary due diligence, but the price she was offered should have raised red flags for her. Despite the setback, Olivia is determined not to let this experience dampen her Edinburgh adventure and remains hopeful for the future.
In a statement to the Daily Record, Olivia highlighted the importance of being vigilant when searching for accommodation, especially online. She emphasised the need to ask questions, seek clarification, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Olivia’s story sheds light on the risks involved in remote transactions and the importance of ensuring the legitimacy of rental opportunities before making any payments.