PEOPLE have been warned not to be taken in by a scam landlord who is asking on a property website for a £400 deposit on rooms.

The man or woman - who is not named - urged people not to contact 'Miles' who advertises on spareroom.co.uk. The landlord posts a photo of a 'large luxury country house' advertising three rooms to rent.

The post said: "Please do not contact this fake landlord for this beautiful property on spare room.com, the property is located in Melksham.

"I had to phone the police for advice as this landlord was advertising three bedrooms and said they were not ready to view until Friday because conveniently the three tenants were leaving Thursday night. He is asking people to pay a £400 deposit without seeing the house or room."

The landlord is urging people to pay the £400 deposit quickly in order to secure the rooms before they go - but is very reluctant to show people around the property.

"Police have said to me they have had numerous reports about this property on spare room and have told me that this is not legit. Just feel sorry for the family that actually own this lovely home."