Student Accommodation Scams to Avoid While Studying Abroad.

Common Types of Student Accommodation Scams

In recent times, the student accommodation scam has increased by 25% in Europe and maybe more in other cities abroad. This often started happening in every study abroad destination because international students are often susceptible due to inexperience, a sense of urgency when securing housing and a lack of local knowledge. Scammers exploit this susceptibility by offering some offers in which students easily get trapped in seconds. To make you aware of these frauds, we have shared common types of student accommodation scams that are common and happen every day. So go through them from the next section. 

1. Fake Listings

Scammers post fake listings for properties that either don’t exist or aren’t available for rent. You will navigate fraudsters posting fake ads by often using deals like "too good to be true" and requesting upfront payments through wire transfer. The fake listening includes non-existent properties, duplicate listings (copying real ads), impersonation scams (pretending to be an agent) and phishing scams that gather personal data. In addition, the price is significantly lower than market rates, vague property details and a fake address.

2. Advance Payment Fraud

This is the most common student accommodation scam in which scammers create a fake listing of the house, use a false legitimate one to demand fees. These fees are taken before a student views any property or signs an agreement, after which the scammer disappears. They create pressure on students to first pay the advanced payment, which would be non-refundable and paid via wire transfer. So, without any proof of image, property, address, or the right info, don’t get trapped in this scam.

3. Identity Scams

Another student accommodation scam is an identity scam, which can be said as impersonation. In this case, a scammer presents themselves as a real estate agent or a landlord to collect your money or personal information. These scammers pretend to be genuine, share their all the details, but are fake. They trick you into revealing bank or other sensitive details by sending you fake links or online forms.

4. Hidden Charges

The next common type of student accommodation is hidden charges, with strategies like phantom rentals, hijacked ads, etc. In this case, scammers trap victims with unrealistically attractive amenities and low prices. Requesting the sharing of personal data or upfront payments before vanishing with funds taken from the students. Many scammers later ask for charges for not leaking any data.

5. Missing Amenities

In this kind of rental scam, the amenities shared or listed in the posted housing option in ads actually do not exist. They provide a long list of all the vital amenities that are required by the students. Sometimes, landlords scam and take extra money or maintenance fees for the amenities you are not provided with. Before saying, you must visit the place to see all the amenities and facilities so that you don’t fall into a rental scam. Also, you can confirm this by taking help from the rental agent about the inclusion.

6. Phishing Scams

Last but not least, this student accommodation scam tricks students into giving away personal data or money by imitating a real one (hijacked ads), creating fake listings (phantom rentals), or demanding advance payments via insecure links or wire transfer. This scam is just like a fake listing, mostly attracts victims through some ads or asks for personal details, money or sends a link which can take all your money.

How to Protect Yourself from Accommodation Scams

If you are moving abroad and want to protect yourself from getting scammed from student accommodation, then you must follow some safer alternatives. You will find many third-party websites on a web browser, providing numerous living options. But you can’t trust anyone, as not everyone is your guardian. But some reliable website helps you to get one. To protect yourself from accommodation scams, we have shared some tips. Have a look

1. Verify property and landlord information: Double-check the property address on Google Maps, search for the landlord’s name and contact details online, or check through the previous tenants who have given a review or warning.
2. Outlook the property in person: Without seeing any property in person, never agree to pay rent or deposit some money in advance for a place you haven’t seen.
3. Research Market Prices: Be suspicious when the rent seems to be lower in comparison to other apartments in the area. It can be a red flag to get entangled in a scam.
4. Insist on a written lease: Try to get a written lease agreement that precisely outlines the rent, lease duration, deposit money and other terms before you pay any money.
5. Use secure payment methods: Avoid undetectable payment methods like cash, wire transfers, or any other sort of currency. Choose the secure bank transfer or any official payment portals.
6. Don’t feel pressured: Scammers often use urgency schemes to pressure you into making a quick decision and choosing the house options offered by them. Thus, think before committing to any agreement, take your time to research, and make a decision.
7. Keep all the records with you: Uphold detailed contact information for the landlord or agent. Save all your communication records as proof, such as messages and emails. Get written receipts for all the payments.
8. Use Reputable resources and platforms: Search for the trusted housing platforms, visit the university accommodation pages or navigate the established student housing agencies. These platforms can help you get reliable and secure housing options.
9. Trust your instincts: If you estimate something feels too good to be true or feels off, trust your feelings; it may be true. If a deal seems doubtful, step back, think and make a decision; sometimes instincts can be true.
10. Contact your university housing office: Many universities have accommodation teams who assist in this process, help you in setting up listening, and offer resources to avoid scams. They have partnership with third party provides housing options who are secured and provide reliable options.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Scam

If you predict that any student accommodation scam is going to happen, then immediately you must take certain steps to protect yourself before any miss happening occurs. Here are some of the steps you can adhere to protect yourself from getting scammed.

1. Stop communication and don’t send any money without proof, cease the scammer’s contact number.
2. Report the scam to the police, and inform the platform or website where you found the listing to help prevent others from falling victim.
3. File a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. or the FBI's IC3.
4. Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
5. Verify the information of the accommodation address and the landlord agency’s online reputation.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity for students, but it brings many obstacles with it, such as finding the best accommodation. Many students get trapped in scams such as fake listings, advance payment fraud and identity scams. In these terms, you should rely on the university accommodation team or secure a third party to get help. For this, you can connect to GraddingHomes.com, they are the leading and trustworthy accommodation provider who have already helped thousands of students to get the best student accommodation UK, USA, Canada, Australia and more places. They offer budget-friendly and all-inclusive living options. So, if you are looking for a house option, call us now.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I realise I’ve been scammed in student accommodation while studying abroad?

If you are scammed in student accommodation abroad, you must immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). You can also complain on the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud or complain to the country or city police.

2. Should I pay a deposit for the student accommodation abroad before viewing?

No, you should not pay a deposit for student accommodation abroad before paying a visit to the property. Especially without signing a formal contract, as this clan caused you a financial loss and a scam. To save yourself, always go through the in-person or virtual inspection, thoroughly go through the rental agreement, use a secure payment method, and confirm the property’s legality and all the agreements through trusted agents or official university resources before sending any money. 

3. What safe platforms can I use to find student accommodation abroad?

Safe platforms to find student accommodation abroad can be official university sites that offer housing facilities on campus and off campus. You can also find through third-party websites, such as student.com, AmberStudent, Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, and Spotahom. Another option can be a study abroad agency that offers accommodation facilities to students.

4. What payment methods should I avoid in student accommodation abroad?

You must avoid payment methods that lack proof of transaction or security, like paying cash or using wire transfer. Especially before signing any agreement or contract to verify the property’s legitimacy. The common red flag for rental scams is requesting upfront payments for a full term’s rent. Alternatively, you can use a secure, traceable option such as student cards or the recommended payment platforms.

5. What Documents Should a Student Check Before Signing a Rental Agreement Abroad?

Before signing a rental agreement abroad for student accommodation, students must check the landlord’s documents, such as evidence of ownership, a legitimate rental agreement or lease contract. In this contract, some details must be included, such as rent, deposits, and maintenance responsibilities. In addition, student must understand the local rental laws to secure their rights and ensure compliance.