Gardaí warn Cork students about housing fraud

An Garda Síochána have warned Cork students about accommodation fraud, which is up by more than 20%.

There have been 160 reports of accommodation fraud in the first six months of this year, an increase of 22%, gardaí say. Reported losses total €385,000, compared with €617,000 for the full year of 2024.

Last year’s records show that reports spike during the back-to-college period, with one third of all incidents occurring between August and September. They also showed that 34% of victims of accommodation fraud were under the age of 25; 66% were under the age of 33. Some 54% were male and 46% female.

In light of these statistics, gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year, when students are returning to college.

Rental fraud occurs when a victim pays money to rent accommodation, typically in the form of a deposit, and subsequently discovers that the transaction was fraudulent.

Examples of rental fraud include the fraudster claiming to be out of the country; the fraudster is living in the property and secures several deposits before disappearing; and/or the transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the property doesn’t exist, is already occupied, or the keys do not work.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) has advised of a number of red flags.

These include: When the rent seems too good to be true; it is only advertised through social media; there is a sense of urgency to pay; the listing contains grammar or spelling mistakes; the landlord is unable to meet in person; communication is only through text, or the property is offered with no questions asked.

Gardaí are urging people seeking accommodation to do their own research, always see the property in person, be wary of scammers, and to contact the authorities and your bank if you believe you are a victim of fraud.