Fake flats, real losses

Students in Cork are facing a worrying increase in accommodation fraud, gardaí and student unions have warned.

While international students are the most likely to fall victim, gardaí statistics for 2024 show that three in ten victims are Irish, and more than a third are under 25. Fraud tends to peak between August and October each year, coinciding with the start of term, but levels remain higher than before the pandemic. The latest crime statistics show a 22% rise in accommodation fraud nationally in the first half of 2025.

The Cork Independent spoke to student unions at UCC and MTU. Alex Fuertes Roper, UCC Communications & Engagement Officer for 2025/2026, said the rise is particularly evident in private student accommodation not registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

“The increase in accommodation fraud can be clearly seen in the growth of private rental platforms like Digs, which currently have no legal oversight. Sometimes students are lucky and find a responsible landlord, but others may face eviction at a day’s notice or be asked to leave for a weekend, despite being told they could stay the whole term,” he said.

Alex Fuertes Roper explained that common problems include students being sold properties that differ from the listing, being asked to pay for repairs that should have been done before moving in, or losing accommodation without notice. International students are particularly vulnerable, as many arrive in Cork close to the start of their course and cannot view listings in person.

“All students are vulnerable, not just internationals. Many are leaving home for the first time and may not realise that scams are increasingly common,” he added.

He advised students to insist on a written contract, document the condition of the property, pay in a traceable way, and inspect accommodation in person where possible.

Joining monitored student housing groups run by the student union can also help, as these groups verify landlords and ensure rents are fair.

“Finding accommodation in Cork is challenging,” said Alex Fuertes Roper. “UCC alone has around 26,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Ireland. Demand far exceeds supply, especially for affordable options. Many students end up in private accommodation, which are expensive, leaving those on smaller budgets struggling to find a safe and suitable place to live.”

“Currently, only 18% of student housing in Cork is public, while 82% is private, with average yearly rents around €12,000. This pushes students to seek cheaper, sometimes unsafe or fraudulent options. Government investment in affordable, purpose-built housing would significantly reduce the risk of fraud and improve student welfare,” he added.

Richard Noonan, President of MTU Cork Students’ Union, also spoke to the Cork Independent, highlighting a “tremendous increase” in student accommodation fraud. He noted scammers are active not just during the start of term but also over the Christmas break.

Many students, he said, turn to Facebook or WhatsApp for cheaper options, only to pay money and receive nothing in return. Amounts lost can run into thousands of euro.

“My first piece of advice is to only use official channels for accommodation, whether through Daft.ie or your university’s accommodation office. These methods provide traceable contact and verified listings,” Richard Noonan said.

“Many scams put pressure on students to pay up front, claiming high demand or that the landlord is away. Both Irish and international students are vulnerable. Irish students, facing the housing crisis and high cost of living, may go for an ad that seems too good to be true. International students are often asked for half a year’s rent upfront, only for the listing to disappear once payment is made.”

Gardaí are urging students and the public to watch for red flags: unusually low rents, adverts only on social media, pressure for urgent payment, or landlords refusing to meet in person. Requests for cash, cryptocurrency, or overseas transfers are also warning signs.

People searching for accommodation are advised to research properties carefully, deal only with trusted agents or RTB-registered landlords, never pay without viewing the property, and always use secure payment methods such as credit cards. Receipts and tenancy agreements should be insisted upon, and any suspected fraud should be reported immediately to Gardaí and banks.

With accommodation fraud on the rise, vigilance remains essential for all students in Cork.