Students urged to be vigilant over accommodation scams

Amid a surge in accommodation scams, students are being advised to remain cautious when searching for a place to live. With approximately 70,000 students set to receive their Leaving Cert results this Friday, the scramble to secure accommodation for the upcoming academic year is already underway. Limited availability and escalating costs have pushed many students towards the private rental market.

Threshold, the Irish Council for International Students, and Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn are urging students to stay vigilant during their accommodation search. Threshold's Campaigns Officer, Cat Clarke, emphasized the heightened urgency in finding accommodation and the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent offers.

She stressed the importance of inspecting the property in person and obtaining a photo of the landlord or agent's ID. Clarke also cautioned students to ensure secure payment methods and to verify the landlord's details, such as the name on the bank account. She advised students to trust their instincts and seek help if they have doubts.

Threshold is working proactively to prevent such scams, highlighting the rise in rents across the country and the wide array of student accommodations, from shared living spaces to purpose-built residences, leading to varying rates. ICOS, supporting international students, echoed similar advice, urging students not to transfer money hastily and to verify the legitimacy of their counterparts.

Both organizations warn that victims of scams face limited recourse, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.