Students Warned of Rental Scams as College Term Approaches

With thousands of Cork students preparing to return to UCC, MTU and other colleges, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has issued an urgent warning about accommodation fraud that peaks during August and September.

The CCPC revealed that one third of all rental scam reports occur during these two months, with young people particularly vulnerable. Last year, 34% of victims were under 25, while two-thirds were under 33. The gender split was almost even, with 54% male and 46% female victims falling prey to fraudsters.

The shortage of student accommodation in Cork, particularly near campus areas like Western Road and Bishopstown, has created ideal conditions for scammers. They typically advertise properties at significantly lower prices than the market rate, often claiming to be landlords living abroad who cannot show the property in person.

Muriel Dolan, Deputy Director of Financial Education at the CCPC, warned:

"If the landlord claims to be out of town or living abroad and cannot show the property in person, this is a major red flag, and you should be very careful. They may request money to secure the room before any mention of a lease, such as a deposit and/or one month's rent up front. You may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make it more convincing."

The warning highlights that scammers often request immediate payment through untraceable methods, particularly cash or apps like Revolut. They may provide convincing but fake documentation, including bogus contracts and keys that don't work.

Ms Dolan emphasised:

"Never agree to rent a property you haven't seen in person. Always complete all relevant checks before payment and never ever pay cash or by Revolut. Instead, pay in a way that is traceable and refundable, and always test the locks to make sure the keys are genuine."

The CCPC has provided ten essential tips to protect students from rental fraud. These include researching the property using online maps, comparing prices with similar rentals in the area, and always viewing the property in person before paying any money.

Students should also verify that rental properties are registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, unless they're seeking owner-occupied accommodation like 'digs'. The RTB website allows quick verification of registered properties.

Payment methods are crucial: the CCPC strongly advises using debit or credit cards rather than cash or payment apps, as card transactions offer better protection and potential refunds through chargebacks if something goes wrong.

Documentation is equally important. Students should request written leases or rent books before paying, obtain proper receipts for all payments, and keep copies of all communications with landlords or agents.

If a student falls victim to a scam, immediate action is essential. They should contact their bank or credit card company straight away to cancel cards and secure accounts. Many transactions can be reversed through the chargeback process.

Victims should also report the incident to their local Garda station. This helps authorities track down scammers and prevents others from becoming victims.

With Cork's student population set to return in the coming weeks, the timing of this warning is particularly relevant. Students searching for accommodation in popular areas like College Road, Magazine Road, or further afield in Douglas and Ballincollig should remain especially vigilant.

The CCPC's consumer helpline and website at ccpc.ie provide additional resources and support for those concerned about potential scams or seeking advice on rental agreements.