Gardai in the North West are urging students to be on high alert over rental scams.
As the scramble for accommodation is underway in earnest, students are being warned to be aware of fraudulent activity in the region.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has stated recently that Gardaí have reported a 65% increase in accommodation scams since 2019.
It warned students to be careful not to fall victim to any type of fraud attempts.
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
Never agree to rent a property without having seen it first in person. Never use cash to pay the deposit. Do not make any payments until you have been given the written lease and until you have ensured that the key fits the door.
Anyone who falls victim to a rental scam or to any type of scam are being urged to alert their bank immediately and report the matter to Gardai.
If its case that money has already been transferred online of if its thought that financial details have been compromised then Gardai say the sense of urgency cannot be understated.
Visit www.fraudsmart.ie for further information and advice.
