Urgent Alert: Accommodation Fraud Surges 22% as Students Targeted

UPDATE: Reports of accommodation fraud have surged by 22% in the first half of 2025, prompting urgent warnings from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) as students begin their search for rental housing. This alarming increase follows the recent Leaving Certificate results and the current wave of third-level CAO offers.

As students prepare for the return to college, authorities report approximately 160 cases of accommodation fraud, leading to total losses of €385,000 in just six months. This figure highlights a concerning trend, with around one third of all fraud reports occurring during the critical months of August and September.

The GNECB emphasizes that 34% of victims are under 25 years old, with the majority being young adults under 33 years old. Fraudulent schemes often involve victims paying deposits for rental properties that either do not exist or are already occupied. These scams typically flourish at this time of year as students scramble to secure housing.

Authorities outline common tactics used by fraudsters, including claims of being out of the country and requiring deposits before viewings, or showing properties to multiple potential renters simultaneously. Victims often discover the deception only after their keys fail to work or when they find out the landlord has vanished.

The GNECB has identified several red flags that students should be aware of to avoid falling victim to these scams. These include:
– Listings with poor grammar or spelling mistakes
– Offers that create a sense of urgency, such as “one-time offers”
– Advertisements found only on social media platforms
– Unsolicited contacts or pop-up ads

Students are urged to conduct thorough research on advertisements and utilize recognized letting agencies. They should be cautious of cloned websites and always verify a property’s legitimacy through trusted sources. The GNECB strongly advises against agreeing to rent any property without a prior in-person viewing and to ensure that the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has registered the property.

As the academic year approaches, the GNECB’s warnings serve as a critical reminder for students to remain vigilant in their search for accommodation. With the potential for increased scams, it is imperative that students take proactive measures to protect themselves from fraud.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.