GARDAÍ are warning students not to fall for accommodation scams as Leaving Cert results come out tomorrow.
Results will soon be followed by college course offers, meaning that first time and returning students to third-level education will be seeking accommodation in the coming weeks.
Gardaí have advised the public to be careful when looking for accommodation and to be aware of rental scams and how they work.
Students seeking somewhere to live may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make a scam appear more convincing.
Students are advised to research rental prices in the area in which they are looking and to be wary if the price seems too cheap.
“If it sounds too good to be true then it usually is,” said a Garda spokesperson.
“Never agree to rent a property without having seen it first in person, never use cash to pay the deposit and do not make any payments until you have been given the written lease and until you have ensured that the key fits the door.
“Should you fall victim to a rental scam or to any type of scam, please alert your bank immediately. Also report the matter to gardaí. If you have already transferred money online or if you think that your financial details have been compromised then time is of the essence so please do not delay in making your report.”
The ‘Fraud Smart’ website is provides information in relation to all things fraud and it offers tips on how to be savvy when it comes to looking for student accommodation.
Visit www.fraudsmart.ie for further information and advice.