Core Points - The article highlights a rental scam in Hangzhou where individuals are lured by attractive listings and low prices, only to be charged a non-refundable "viewing fee" [2][12] - Victims, including a young renter named Xiao Tian, report being misled by agents who require upfront payments without delivering the promised properties [3][4] - The article emphasizes the need for caution among renters, urging them to use professional rental platforms and verified agencies to avoid scams [11][12] Summary by Sections Scam Description - Some landlords and agents are using online platforms to post appealing images and low rental prices to attract potential tenants, charging them a "viewing fee" that is non-refundable regardless of the rental outcome [2][12] - Xiao Tian experienced a scam where she was asked to pay a 600 yuan "pre-rent" fee under the pretense that it would be deducted from future rent, but the promised property was never shown [3][4] Victim Experiences - Victims have reported similar experiences, often meeting at subway stations and being asked for upfront payments before viewing properties [5][8] - One victim noted that after paying, they discovered the property did not match the advertised details, leading to a request for a refund that was ignored [4] Company Background - The company involved, Hangzhou Huasheng Yiju Real Estate Agency, was registered in August 2023 and has been linked to multiple legal disputes, primarily concerning contract disputes and deposit issues [8][10] - The company has been identified as a defendant in 12 legal cases and was recently listed as an entity subject to enforcement by the court [10] Official Warnings - The Hangzhou government has issued warnings about the prevalence of scams in the rental market, advising renters to be vigilant and to utilize reputable rental platforms and agencies [11][12] - The article concludes with a reminder for renters to avoid making payments before verifying properties and understanding contract terms [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a rental scam in Hangzhou where individuals posing as landlords or agents lure potential tenants with attractive listings and low prices, only to charge non-refundable viewing fees without providing the promised properties [1][20][22]. Group 1: Scam Description - The scam involves individuals or intermediaries advertising appealing rental properties online, often at prices significantly lower than the market rate, to attract potential renters [1][22]. - Victims are often required to pay a "viewing fee" or "prepaid rent" upfront, which is claimed to be refundable if no suitable property is found, but in reality, it is not [5][22]. - Many victims report meeting these scammers at public locations, such as subway stations, rather than at the actual rental properties [10][14]. Group 2: Victim Experiences - A victim, referred to as Xiao Tian, experienced the scam firsthand, paying 600 yuan as a viewing fee only to find that the property shown was not as advertised [3][8]. - Other victims have shared similar experiences, with some losing amounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, indicating that the scam targets a wide demographic, including educated individuals [24][22]. - Victims have reported difficulties in recovering their funds, with many cases going unreported or unresolved due to the scammers' evasive tactics [16][20]. Group 3: Company Information - The company involved in the scam, Hangzhou Huasheng Yiju Real Estate Agency, was registered in August 2023 and has been linked to multiple legal disputes, primarily concerning intermediary contract disputes [16][18]. - The company has been flagged for various risks, including being listed as a defendant in multiple lawsuits and having a history of operational irregularities [17][18]. - Despite its recent establishment, the company has already been involved in at least 12 judicial cases, indicating a pattern of fraudulent activity [18].