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Swoffers has warned that scammers are using genuine photos from estate agency websites to prey on vulnerable people looking for rental properties.
The estate agent issued a warning after discovering that some of the photos from its website had been used in a fraudulent advert of rental properties.
Laura Gorvel, the Head of Swoffers Local Market Letting team said the shortage of rental accommodation in Guernsey has given the scammers a chance to take "advantage of the frantic nature of the island".
Her warning followed one issued by Guernsey Police within the last fortnight over a similar issue.
Officers said to "be aware of an ongoing scam looking to steal your deposit".
The fraud occurs when a scammer posts an advert on social media, offering to rent out a property. When a potential tenant contacts the advertiser, they are asked to pay a deposit immediately to secure the lease.
"If you pay it, it's very likely they will disappear with your money," warned Guernsey Police.
Guernsey Police echoed Swoffers in saying that "the rental market is hot in Guernsey at the moment, but we'd strongly advise potential tenants to think twice before making any payments," adding that "if you haven't met the letting agent or landlord, or viewed the property, making any payment could lead to you being scammed".
Ms Gorvel said Swoffers would not ask for money up-front and encouraged potential tenants to ask for a live video viewing of a property if a landlord says they can't meet in person.
"It really is a case of being sensible and not handing any money over to anyone until you have seen a property and have performed your own due diligence," she said.
"Scam posts have increased since the beginning of the Covid pandemic as scammers understand that many renters choose electronic means to search for property and as there is a shortage of housing not only in the Channel Islands but also across the UK, they are taking advantage of the frantic nature of the market."
Ms Gorvel shared Swoffers tips for would-be renters to be aware of when looking for a property:
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