Not really an AIBU, but anyway.
A neighbour of mine has had his door knocked this morning at 7am, by a chap claiming to have paid rent for a room in his house. This man has claimed to have sent the money across via bank transfer already, having not been to the house or met the person he has supposedly rented a room from before.
My neighbour tried explaining numerous times that he isn’t renting out a room, and is understandably concerned as to how this person got his address. The supposed renter wouldn’t leave and my neighbour called the police, who have been and taken details from both parties.
The renter gave some vague details about having parked his car around the other side of the street, but when free to leave, left going another route on foot. He also claimed he was working nearby.
My neighbour is concerned that he was being scammed and/or potentially being set up for a robbery. On the other hand, the supposed renter has possibly been scammed and lost out on a lot of money by being given a fake address.
I’m posting just to try and give a heads up incase anyone else has their door knocked and a similar situation happens. If so, I would suggest calling the police so that they are aware incase this is indeed a scam being practised around the area. My neighbour is luckily a confident chap who refused to open the door to the supposed renter, but had this been someone else who perhaps wasn’t as savvy, or potentially an elderly person, then things may have been different.
ID-wise, the chap was about 5ft 9”, slim build, maybe in his 40s. Wearing a grey hoodie type jacket with blue patch, and paint stained trousers.
It seems a very bizarre scam. Either the guy was being conned, or trying to force my neighbour to give him money.
I've looked online but can't find anything like this. Anyone here experienced something similar?