Students looking for accommodation for the upcoming academic year are being urged to check for scams.
Housing charity Threshold has teamed up with students unions to raise awareness about the most common rental scams and how to avoid them.
Thousands of students are expected to live in the private rental market in Cork this year, with international students more likely to fall victim to fraud.
Laura Harmon, Executive Director of the Irish Council for International Students, says the 'Scamwatch' campaign is spreading an important message:
"We're highlighting the do's and don'ts, what to look out for. If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Are you getting a proper contract? Can you see the property in person? Otherwise, make sure to get a video viewing, see photos, make sure to check that the link is correct, and looking out for any red flags as well, like if the landlord perhaps is living abroad, if the rent does appear to be very low for the area".
