As the academic year kicks off, the ATU Students’ Union is urging students to stay vigilant against rental scams.
With the demand for student accommodation at its peak, the Union is highlighting essential do’s and don’ts for those seeking housing, aiming to prevent students from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
The ATU Students’ Union is advising students to take critical steps when securing accommodation.
Laura Harmon, Executive Director of the Irish Council for International Students, highlighted the importance of the “Scamwatch” campaign, a joint initiative with Threshold, in spreading awareness about rental fraud.
She warns students to be cautious, stating: “If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”
She advised students to ensure they receive a proper contract and to confirm that they can visit the property in person.
If an in-person viewing isn’t possible, she suggests at least securing a video tour and verifying that the photos and listing links are legitimate.
“Look out for any red flags,” she added, particularly noting suspicious signs like landlords who claim to live abroad or unusually low rent prices for the area.
The Gardaí have also issued warnings about rental scams, especially during this time of year when students are returning to college.
They note that this period is particularly rife with fraudulent rental activities, as the rush to secure accommodation makes students more vulnerable to scams.
According to the Gardaí, this is the worst time of year for students losing money to fraudulent rental transactions.
For more information on warning signs, tips for finding accommodation, and advice on secure payment methods, please visit garda.ie
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