The alleged scammer has also posted in a Launceston group

Nineteen-year-old Rebekah Housego said she was "over the moon" to finally be offered a rental, after searching for almost a year.

But the offer came with a catch because the Burnie property was never on the market.

MOST READ: Northern Tasmanian business targeted in alleged ram raids

The house had been advertised on a Facebook post in the Burnie & Surrounds Community group, by a user who has also posted listings to groups such as Rent in Launceston and other interstate community groups.

At the time of writing, the user's post in Rent in Launceston is still public.

Miss Housego said her father has been living in a rental which had recently sold, giving him until February to move out. Increasingly desperate for a solution, they were thrilled to find a rental that ticked all the boxes.

"[The person advertising the house] told us we couldn't inspect it because she was interstate, as a family member had passed away," Miss Housego said.

READ MORE: Jail population shrinking despite high rates of recidivism

"She sent us photos and the lease agreement, which looked legitimate."

"I was ready to transfer the deposit she had asked for."

Miss Housego and her father realised the situation was too good to be true when he drove past the property and noticed a window was open.

"He knocked on the door hoping to have a look at the property, but the woman who answered the door there said that the house wasn't for rent," Miss Housego said.

READ MORE: Police confirmed they will revisit the 1989 disappearance of Ian David Nichols in the Central Highlands

Bonds are always lodged with the Rental Deposit Authority or with a real estate agent, Tenants' Union of Tasmania lawyer Ben Bartl said.

"If a landlord is asking for bond directly, tenants have the right to refuse".

"Tenants should always insist on an inspection and be wary of agreeing to a lease site-unseen," he added.

Miss Housego said she thinks this isn't the first time this person has done this.

A police spokesperson said scams should be reported to https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: