Student Accommodation / Rooms for Rent / Share Houses
Learn how to avoid Online Share Accommodation Scams
Essential guidelines when looking for share accommodation to avoid being scammed:
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Payment by Money transfer: Money transfers can’t be traced (e.g. Western Union) and that’s why scammers use this method to receive payment. Be very cautious if a housesharer requests you use money transfer service. Be prepared to ask if they will accept an alternative payment means. Also never pass on a receipt for a money transfer even if the transaction was carried out with friends or family - receipts allow scammers to access the funds.
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Paying money upfront: Deposits are widely accepted standard in renting, paying money upfront to secure a room is certainly not! Arrange a viewing and see the house before you pay any money upfront.
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Always actually visit the house: The best way to ensure the house really exists is to visit the property and meet the person letting it out. Be suspicious whenever a person refuses to let you visit the house.
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It looks too good to be true: Sounds too cheap? Looks absolutely fantastic like it’s a five star hotel?
Steer clear of very cheap rents for the area or very professional looking photos.
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Landlord based abroad: Most scams come from abroad. So if someone tells you they are abroad on holiday or on a business trip be
very suspicious, especially if they say you can’t see the room because they are out of the country.
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Pushiness: For example if the housesharer states you must pay by money transfer and nothing else be careful.
Scammers must make you do things in a certain fashion if you’re uncertain be assertive and ask questions, remember you can say “no” and there are plenty of other rooms.
