Accommodation · Booking

How To Identify And Avoid Rental Fraud Syndicates

The rental market is full of sophisticated operators preying on international students. Learn the warning signs.

5 min readUnited KingdomIrelandAustralia
Key takeaways

The main decisions in this guide

Use these points to get the shape of the decision before reading the full sections below.

Point 1

Watch For Pressure Tactics

Be extremely cautious if a landlord pushes for an urgent Western Union transfer or avoids providing a written contract before taking your money.

Point 2

Never Wire Cash Before Viewing

Scammers use stolen photos of premium apartments. If you cannot view it physically use a verified booking platform that holds funds in escrow.

Point 3

Cross Check The Registry

In Ireland verify the landlord on the RTB. In the UK ensure they are using a certified deposit protection scheme. Verify everything.

Section 1

Watch For Pressure Tactics

Be extremely cautious if a landlord pushes for an urgent Western Union transfer or avoids providing a written contract before taking your money.

Section 2

Never Wire Cash Before Viewing

Scammers use stolen photos of premium apartments. If you cannot view it physically use a verified booking platform that holds funds in escrow.

Section 3

Cross Check The Registry

In Ireland verify the landlord on the RTB. In the UK ensure they are using a certified deposit protection scheme. Verify everything.

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