Gardaí have issued a warning to students about rental scams RTE NEWS ahead of the new academic year, as 33% of accommodation fraud reports occur in August and September. Scammers pose as landlords, offering non-existent or misleading accommodations.
Data shows that 34% of fraud victims are under 25, and 66% are under 33, with a nearly even split between male and female victims. Fraudsters often use fake or cloned websites and social media to target students. Gardaí urge students to avoid red flags, such as landlords who can’t show the property in person, demand immediate payment, or only communicate via social media. ADVERTISMENT
Students should use trusted letting agencies, verify URLs, insist on receipts, and ensure payments are traceable. Last month, 12 victims lost over €20,000 to such scams.
