WARNING: Accommodation shortage creating 'perfect storm' for rental scams

The scramble for student accommodation combined with the accommodation crisis has created the perfect storm for a surge in rental scams, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned.

It noted that gardai have reported a 65% increase in accommodation scams since 2019.

"Students are under severe pressure at this time of year to find a place to live and can be vulnerable. Whether you’re starting out in college or a returning student, our top tips will help protect you from falling victim," the CCPC warned. 

It outlined that a rental accommodation scam typically tries to trick you out of your money by pretending to offer you a property or room to rent.

If the landlord says they are away or living outside the country and cannot show you the student letting in person, this is a major red flag, the CCPC advises.

They’ll likely request a deposit from you and maybe one month’s rent to secure the room before any mention of a lease.

You may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make it more convincing. Another potential alarm bell is getting offered a rental without any questions being asked of you. For example, you receive an unsolicited email or text message offering you a place. This could include the real address and photos of properties which the scammer is already using on the rental sites.

The CCPC says it is common practice for scammers to advertise the same bogus properties in multiple scam attempts. They’ll use similar names, cover stories and contact you only through email, text, WhatsApp or other socials.

Here is some advice from the CCPC on what to do, and not to do. 

If you have been scammed, the CCPC advises that you contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you have transferred money online or given your bank details to someone.

Your bank can cancel your cards and secure your account. You may be able to get the transaction reversed through a chargeback from your card provider.

The CCPC also advises that you report the incident to your local garda station.

"Doing this may stop a scammer altogether and save other people from becoming victims," the CCPC says.