Housing Charity and Student Representative Bodies Launch 2025 Scamwatch Campaign to Protect Students from Rental Fraud
- Nationwide awareness campaign launches in May as students begin the search for September accommodation
- Campaign urges secure payments, in-person viewings, signed rental agreements, and trusting your instincts to protect against scams
- Students encouraged to report rental scams and seek support from trusted services
As thousands of students across Ireland begin their search for accommodation for the upcoming academic year, national housing charity Threshold, the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), and Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ) have today launched the 2025 Scamwatch campaign — a nationwide initiative to combat the real threat of rental scams.
With demand for housing outpacing supply, students — particularly first-years and international students — are being reminded to remain cautious, informed, and vigilant.
“We continue to see highly convincing and targeted scams, especially in the months leading up to September. Our research has shown that international students are particularly vulnerable to being scammed.” said Brian Hearne, Policy & Communications Manager at ICOS.
“Scammers prey on urgency and inexperience, and our goal with this campaign is to equip students with the information they need to protect themselves. No one should be left homeless or out of pocket because they were misled by a fake ad.”
Threshold’s Ongoing Support
Threshold continues to support students at risk of rental scams by providing early intervention, guidance, and resources. The organisation has helped many students avoid falling into traps through timely advice and scam awareness.
“It’s distressing how often we hear stories like these,” said Cat Clark from Threshold.
“But it's also encouraging to see how many scams we’re able to stop through awareness, education, and support. We want students to know that help is available before they commit, not just after something goes wrong.”
Neasa’s Story: Spotting the Red Flags
Not all stories end in loss. In one recent instance, Neasa, an advisor at Threshold, received a call from a renter who had been asked to pay €100 upfront for a Deposit Protection Scheme. Neasa immediately recognised the red flag — Ireland has no such scheme — and prevented the renter from making a costly mistake.
“The biggest one is if supposed landlords or letting agents are asking for a deposit or any money upfront before you’ve even viewed the property,” Neasa explains. “If they’re just trying to get you to pay immediately, it puts into question whether they’re really the landlord or agent.”
Neasa notes other warning signs: "@gmail.com" email addresses and missing Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) registration numbers for letting agents, as well as ads that seem “too good to be true.” She adds:
“These things don’t automatically mean it’s a scam — but they mean you should be cautious. If there are any red flags, give Threshold a call. We can walk through the ad and conversations with the landlord or agent with you.”
Student Advocacy and Protection
“Students across the country are already facing a housing crisis — it’s completely unacceptable that they’re also being preyed on by criminals,” said Nathan Murphy, Leas-Uachtarán do Feachtais, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ).
“That’s why Scamwatch is about raising awareness and pointing students toward trusted support services. If it feels off, stop and check — you don’t have to go through it alone.”
Scamwatch 2025: The 3 Rules to Avoid Rental Scams
- Inspect the Property in Person
Visit the property in person and take a picture of the landlord or letting agent’s photo ID before making any payments. Don’t rely solely on online photos or virtual tours. - Use Secure Payment Methods and a Contract
Use payment methods that offer protection. Avoid cash or transfers to unverified or foreign bank accounts. Get a written contract that outlines rent, deposits, and fees. - Trust Your Instinct and Seek Help
If it feels off, it probably is. Don’t rush. If in doubt, contact Threshold for free, expert advice.
Where to Get Help
- Threshold: Free helpline at 1800 454 454 (Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm) or chat at threshold.ie
- ICOS: internationalstudents.ie | office@icosirl.ie
- AMLÉ:amle.ie | (01) 709 9300