Garda warning on ‘student accommodation fraud’

Gardaí are warning students and their families about a surge in rental scams as the scramble for accommodation begins.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said that gardaí have reported a 65pc increase in accommodation scams since 2019.

Gardaí are asking people to not agree to rent a property without viewing it, to ensure the property is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, to meet the landlord for a tour of the accommodation and to check Google Maps to see that the property is the same as that advertised.

Approximately a third of all accommodation fraud reports occur in August and September, according to gardaí.

Rental fraud happens when a victim pays money to rent accommodation, usually in the form of a deposit, and then finds out that the transaction was fraudulent, say gardaí.

Gardaí have issued some warning signs for when looking for rented accommodation, which include:

• There is a sense of urgency to secure the accommodation by paying a deposit.

• The landlord is unable to meet up to show you the property in person.

• Payment is demanded before signing the lease.

• You are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer.

The Gardaí National Economic Crime Bureau advised: “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.”

Gardaí are urging people to “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 for deposits on properties. Never transfer money direct, never pay cash, never pay into cryptocurrency wallets.

If you are going to take property, do a lot of research beforehand. Ask the students union of the college for information. Always look for a tenancy or rental agreement. Ask local people who have stayed around that college for information or help. There is always someone in your locality that has gone to college before you.