Hello everyone,
It's exciting to plan your move to the UK for studies, and finding suitable accommodation is a big part of that. However, it's crucial to be aware of rental scams that unfortunately target students, especially those new to the country. Protecting yourself from fraud should be a top priority.
One of the most common scams involves landlords or agents who demand a deposit or rent payment before you've even viewed the property. They might claim to be out of the country and unable to show it, or put pressure on you to secure it quickly due to high demand. Never pay any money for a property you haven't seen in person or had a trusted representative view for you.
Be very wary of deals that seem "too good to be true," such as unusually low rent for a prime location. Scammers often use attractive but fake photos of properties found online, or they might present legitimate property details but ask you to communicate outside of official platforms. Always verify the address and ensure it actually exists.
To protect yourself, always use reputable accommodation websites, university housing services, or accredited letting agents. If renting privately, try to meet the landlord in person and ask for proof of ownership or their agent registration. A legitimate landlord will be happy to provide necessary details.
Ensure you have a formal tenancy agreement that you have read and understood thoroughly before signing anything or making payments. Never pay in cash or via untraceable methods like Western Union; always use a bank transfer to a verified account. Keep records of all communications and payments.
If you suspect you've encountered a scam, stop all communication immediately. Do not share any personal details or make further payments. You should report the incident to Action Fraud in the UK and also inform your university's student support services. Stay vigilant and share your experiences to help others avoid these pitfalls.
It's exciting to plan your move to the UK for studies, and finding suitable accommodation is a big part of that. However, it's crucial to be aware of rental scams that unfortunately target students, especially those new to the country. Protecting yourself from fraud should be a top priority.
One of the most common scams involves landlords or agents who demand a deposit or rent payment before you've even viewed the property. They might claim to be out of the country and unable to show it, or put pressure on you to secure it quickly due to high demand. Never pay any money for a property you haven't seen in person or had a trusted representative view for you.
Be very wary of deals that seem "too good to be true," such as unusually low rent for a prime location. Scammers often use attractive but fake photos of properties found online, or they might present legitimate property details but ask you to communicate outside of official platforms. Always verify the address and ensure it actually exists.
To protect yourself, always use reputable accommodation websites, university housing services, or accredited letting agents. If renting privately, try to meet the landlord in person and ask for proof of ownership or their agent registration. A legitimate landlord will be happy to provide necessary details.
Ensure you have a formal tenancy agreement that you have read and understood thoroughly before signing anything or making payments. Never pay in cash or via untraceable methods like Western Union; always use a bank transfer to a verified account. Keep records of all communications and payments.
If you suspect you've encountered a scam, stop all communication immediately. Do not share any personal details or make further payments. You should report the incident to Action Fraud in the UK and also inform your university's student support services. Stay vigilant and share your experiences to help others avoid these pitfalls.
