Students heading back to college and universities across Ireland are being warned that extreme caution is needed when finding accommodation after a 30% in accommodation fraud in 2022.
Officers say the average amount being stolen from unsuspecting students is up to around €1,300 and that half of all scams are occurring in Dublin.
Gardaí are advising people to be wary of these rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.
READ MORE: Irishman 'fighting back tears' warns others after latest AIB scam 'raided' life savings
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Gardaí National Economic Crime Bureau advised that students and parents should “only use recognised letting agencies or deal with people who are bona fida and trusted.”
With the rise in scam activity nationwide, it’s well known now that websites can be easily cloned, so you should always check the URL to ensure it’s a real website and take note of the privacy and refund policy sections.
Detective Cryan added: “Be very wary of social media advertisements or where a person letting the location will only communicate via messenger or Whatsapp. You should push for direct answers and if responses are vague disengage immediately.
“Watch out for unsolicited contacts or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions and especially if there is a sense of urgency like "a one-time offer”.
“If you have decided to take up the offer only use trusted money transfer systems, An Garda Síochána would recommend using a credit card. Never transfer money direct, pay cash, pay into cryptocurrency wallets.”
He went on to say that you should ”be wary if a website is asking you to send money to a random PayPal address or asking you to wire it by Western Union or pay in iTunes gift cards or ask you to pay for long-term rental accommodation via a short-term letting website or only deals in cryptocurrency.
“Most of the time, those methods are done to avoid scrutiny and ensure that a transaction can not be reversed.”
Some of the main red flags to look out for are:
- When the landlord is unable to meet up to show you the property in person.
- When communication is only through Text / WhatsApp or other social media platform.
- When the property is offered with no questions asked and payment demanded immediately before signing the lease.
- When you are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer (such as wire transfer)
Gardai have provided students with the following checklist to ensure you’re not caught up in one of these scams:
- Never agree to rent a property without first having the opportunity to view it
- Do not hand over cash. Insist upon a proper receipt
- Ensure that the keys work and you have proper contact details for the landlord/agent
READ NEXT:
Two teenage boys die in 'tragic drowning incident' in Co Derry Lake
Thousands face energy bill hikes as deadline for meter readings just weeks away
Met Eireann pinpoints abrupt end of 'back-to-school' weather with rain and thunderstorms
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
