Common Accommodation Scams Students Should Avoid

 As students return to schools and universities for a new academic session, the search for affordable accommodation is creating opportunities for fraudsters to target students and their parents.

From fake house listings to agents collecting money for properties they do not control, accommodation scams can leave students with significant financial losses and, in some cases, nowhere to stay.

Students looking for accommodation are therefore advised to carry out proper checks before paying any money for rent, inspection fees, agency charges or other accommodation-related expenses.

Fake House Listings

One of the common accommodation scams involves advertising houses or rooms that are either unavailable or do not exist.

Scammers may post attractive pictures and descriptions on WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok or other platforms and claim that the property is available at a cheap price.

After a student expresses interest, the scammer may request an immediate payment to "secure" the room.

Students should physically inspect the property and confirm that the person offering it has the authority to rent it out before making payment.

Agents Advertising Properties They Do Not Control

Another warning sign is an agent who claims to have access to several properties but cannot provide verifiable information about the landlord or property.

Some fraudulent agents may collect money from several students for the same room or house.

Students should ask questions about the landlord, tenancy agreement, location and other relevant details before making any financial commitment.

Pressure to Pay Immediately

Students should be careful when an agent tells them they must pay immediately because "another student is ready to pay."

This type of pressure can be used to prevent potential tenants from carrying out proper checks.

A genuine accommodation opportunity should allow a prospective tenant reasonable time to verify the property and understand the terms before making payment.

Fake Landlords

Some scammers impersonate landlords and claim ownership of properties they have no authority to rent.

They may provide fake documents, photographs or personal information to make the transaction appear legitimate.

Students should verify the identity of the landlord or authorised representative and ensure that the person receiving payment is connected to the property.

Fake Accommodation Websites and Social Media Pages

Fraudsters may also create websites, social media accounts or online pages that appear to represent student accommodation providers.

Students should not assume that a professional-looking page automatically means the person behind it is legitimate.

Before paying, students should independently verify the organisation, property and contact details.

Paying for Inspection Before Seeing the Property

Some individuals request an inspection fee before allowing students to view an accommodation.

While legitimate agents may charge certain fees under agreed terms, students should be cautious when someone demands payment simply to reveal the location or allow access to a property.

Students should understand exactly what they are paying for and who is providing the service.

Fake Receipts and Payment Confirmations

Scammers may send fake receipts or payment confirmations to create the impression that a transaction has been completed or that a property has been officially reserved.

Students should verify payments through their own bank or payment platform rather than relying solely on screenshots sent by another person.

Multiple Students Paying for the Same Room

A major warning sign is when several students are told that they have successfully secured the same room.

This can happen when a fraudster advertises one property to multiple people and collects deposits from each of them.

Students should insist on proper documentation and confirmation before considering an accommodation fully secured.

How Students Can Protect Themselves

Students searching for accommodation can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams by taking a few basic precautions.

They should:

• Visit the property before making major payments.

• Verify the identity of the landlord or authorised agent.

• Ask for a written tenancy agreement.

• Keep records of conversations and payment receipts.

• Avoid sending money to unverified personal accounts.

• Be cautious of accommodation advertised far below the normal market price.

• Avoid making decisions under unnecessary pressure.

• Speak with trusted students or residents familiar with the area.

• Verify agency or accommodation claims independently.

• Never assume that a social media post is genuine simply because it has many comments or shares.

Students Should Be Careful With Accommodation Payments

Finding accommodation can be stressful, particularly for new students arriving in an unfamiliar town or city.

However, rushing to secure a room can make students more vulnerable to fraud.

Students should take time to inspect the property, verify the people involved and understand all charges before transferring money.

Parents and guardians can also help by encouraging students to involve a trusted person in major accommodation decisions.

With accommodation scams becoming an increasing concern around student communities, careful verification remains one of the simplest ways students can protect themselves from losing money while searching for a place to live.