Gardaí warn that if the rent seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
The Union of Students in Ireland and the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland are supporting a new FraudSMART campaign which is hoping to increase awareness in students of potential accommodation rental fraud schemes ahead of the new college year.
Gardaí regularly see fraudsters renting out holiday or short-terms lets, taking deposits from multiple potential tenants and disappearing with the money.
Another includes the fraudsters copying the details of available accommodation, but refusing to let potential lodgers physically see the property before any payment has been paid.
FraudSMART state that all student renters should follow these simple rules in order to ensure that they aren't done out of their money and a place to live before making the move ahead of the new school year:
Be Informed:
Do your homework - familiarise yourself with the average rent prices in your search area. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is!
Use online maps to double check that the property exists at the address being advertised.
Check short term rental sites to ensure the property is not being used by a fraudster for “viewings” who will take your deposit.
Be Secure:
Keep copies of all correspondence between yourself and the advertiser, including bank details and the advertisement itself.
Use legitimate well-known rental agencies where possible.
Don’t hand over any money until you have seen the property and are happy with its condition. Once satisfied use a cheque or bank draft to pay the deposit.
Be Alert:
Don’t make any payments until you have been given the keys and signed the rental contract. Always check that the keys fit the lock.
Remember, don’t transfer any money unless you have carried out all the relevant checks and you are absolutely sure that the list is genuine.
Don’t be embarrassed if you have been scammed. Report it to your local Garda Station and contact your bank.
