24 June 2009

Statement on Gumtree and Craig’s List

The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) would like to make all tenants aware of a new scam

involving property advertised for rent over the internet.

People looking for property to rent have seen adverts on websites such as Gumtree and Craig’s

List asking them to show that they can afford to pay a deposit by transferring money to a friend

or relative using a money transfer agent.

They are then asked to send a scanned copy of the transaction receipt to the 'landlord' as proof

that they have enough money to rent the property.

However, the receipt contains enough information for the criminals to collect the money before

the victim's friend or relative can do so.

The DPS, the only custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme accredited by the Government,

advises all tenants to ask their landlords how their deposit is protected and recommends that

anyone in doubt should seek advice immediately as to whether their funds are at risk.

Kevin Firth, director of the DPS, said:

“For peace of mind tenants can ring the DPS on 0870 707 1707 to find out whether their

landlord is registered and their deposit protected. Landlords who fail to register a deposit face

being fined up to three times the value of their deposit.

“Tenants should only transfer money to reputable landlords who can prove they are registered

with an approved tenancy deposit scheme so it is important that you double check – ideally

they should meet the landlord first and view the property before handing over any cash”.

If you have already transferred money, the DPS recommends you seek legal advice. The Deposit

Protection Service is the only custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme accredited by the

Government. It is provided free of charge, and funded entirely by the interest earned from

deposits held in the scheme.

ENDS

For any further information, please contact:

Alex Finnegan or Gary Cleland

Mandate Communications

T: 020 3128 8166

E: alex.finnegan@... or gary.cleland@...

Editor’s Notes:

About The DPS

The Deposit Protection Service is the custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme accredited by

the Government. It is provided free of charge, and funded entirely by the interest earned from

deposits held in the scheme. The DPS is run by Computershare Investor Services PLC. Online

self-service allows landlords to register and make deposit payments, transfers and repayments

24 hours a day. Help and advice is available through a dedicated call centre during office hours.

An impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, helps to resolve any disputes quickly

and without the need for court action.

For more information, visit www.depositprotection.com

About Computershare Limited (CPU)

Computershare (ASX:CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration,

employee equity plans, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialise

in corporate trust services, tax voucher solutions, bankruptcy administration and a range of

other diversified financial and governance services.

Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in data management, high

volume transaction processing, payments and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world’s

leading organisations use these core competencies to help maximise the value of relationships

with their investors, employees, creditors, members and customers.

Computershare is represented in all major financial markets and has over 10,000 employees

worldwide.

For more information, visit www.computershare.com