STUDENT ACCOMMODTION FRAUD

Last month bogus landlords scammed people out of just over 20.000 euro for non existing apartments. Gardai say that’s the amount reported but there could have been much more as people are often embarrassed to admit they have been caught.

Gardai are now are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) advises that there are a number of red flags/warning signs:

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• If the rent seems too good to be true then it probably is � there is no such thing as cheap accommodation especially in urban areas.
• It’s only advertised through social media or the person letting the location will only communicate via Messenger or WhatsApp. You should push for direct answers and if responses are vague disengage immediately.
• Where your knowledge of it came from an unsolicited contact / social media feed / pop-up advert or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions.
• There is a sense of urgency like “a one-time offer�.
• When you are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer (such as wire transfer).
• Where the bank account you are asked to send the money to is in a different country.
• Only use recognised letting agencies or deal with people who are bona fide and trusted ie, the college or student unions.
• Be wary of cloned websites: ensure the site is real � check the URL, look for the trust seals; check the privacy policy, refunds policy section, contact sections, even for spelling errors; check the website�s policy on refunds.
• Know your consumer rights. They are protected if a legitimate site is used.
• If you have decided to take up the offer only use trusted money transfer systems – An Garda S�och�na would recommend using a credit card.
• Never agree to rent a property without first having the opportunity to view it.
• Do not hand over cash or make a Revolut payment