The USI Has Issued A Warning For Students Searching For Accommodation
It's one of the most stressful times of the year as students search for accommodation ahead of the new academic year and unfortunately it can be made even worse by scam artists who are targeting those on the lookout for housing.
Last week we reported how there were fears in Cork City around an accommodation scam which caught out a lot of would-be renters and today the Union of Students in Ireland have moved to warn everyone around the country of the dangers of people posing as landlords.
In the wake of reports from the Gardaí of recent rental scams, USI President Michael Kerrigan said 'It’s a shame that people are taking advantage of students like this. Students should visit the accommodation they’re hoping to rent before sending over any sum of money,' and warned those on the lookout to make sure any deposit paid is traceable:
Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence. Don’t hand over any cash to anyone, because you will not have a record or trace of your deposit. Students are handing up to two months rent as a deposit, and this kind of money being stolen can have a serious impact on a student’s ability to afford college for the coming year.
He also urged anyone who has suspicions to contact the relevant authorities:
Meet the landlord and ask for proof of ID if you’re unsure. If you’re worried that you’re being led into a scam, alert the Gardaí or your Students’ Union right away. It is always better to be safe. Don’t rush into any arrangement that looks too good to be true.
Most of these scams work by the supposed landlord receiving a large deposit from students before skedaddling with the cash. That's why it's extra important to make sure you trace the recipient of any payments. Thankfully the overwhelming majority of those letting accommodation are perfectly legimate but always be vigilant.