WARNING: Common rental scam tactics targeting students revealed by gardaí

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPCC) is warning student renters about the signs of scams, as thousands of young people across Ireland are frantically searching for accommodation ahead of September’s college term. 

Common signs of rental scams include rental properties being advertised at a much lower price than the going market rate. 

Another common trademark of a rent hoax is that the scammer will often offer the rental without any questions asked, or without showing the tenant the rental property. 

Deputy Director of Financial Education at the CCPC, Muriel Dolan, said: “If the landlord claims to be out of town or living abroad and cannot show the property in person, this is a major red flag, and you should be very careful.”

“They may request money to secure the room before any mention of a lease, such as a deposit and/or one month’s rent up front. You may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make it more convincing.”

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MS Dolan further cautioned: “Always complete all relevant checks before payment and never ever pay cash or by Revolut. Instead, pay in a way that is traceable and refundable, and always test the locks to make sure the keys are genuine.”

The CPCC said that those duped by scams should immediately contact their bank or credit card company to secure the account. 

In some cases, bank providers may reverse a fraudulent transaction charge should they be informed on time. 

The organisation further advises that renters should check that the accommodation is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) - unless the rental is owner-occupied, in which case the abode does not need to be registered. 

Commenting ahead of the new academic year, Limerick-based garda sergeant Michelle O’Halloran said: "This time of year always sees a spike in rental scams, especially with a new wave of third-level students looking for somewhere to live.”

“We’ve seen cases where the scammer is actually living at the property and invites multiple people to view it — then takes deposits from all of them and disappears with the money."

The Crime Prevention Officer continued: “there’s the scam that looks totally normal — right up until the renter tries to move in and realises the keys don’t work, the landlord is unreachable, and the property isn’t available at all."

Last year, An Garda Síochána reported that about one third of all accommodation fraud reports occur during August and September.