Renting safely: deposit and fake landlord scams

Student housing is competitive, and scammers use that pressure. They copy photos of real properties, advertise them cheaply, and ask for a deposit before you can view.

Warning signs

The rent is noticeably cheaper than similar places nearby
The "landlord" is abroad and can't show you round
You're asked to pay a holding deposit before viewing
Payment by bank transfer to a personal account, or in cryptocurrency
Pressure that "lots of other students are interested"

Safer ways to rent

View in person, or ask a friend to. Use your university's accommodation service or a letting agent you can check. In England, a deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme, and you should be told which one.

Search the property photos online. If the same pictures appear in other adverts, walk away.

If you've already paid

Call your bank straight away on 159, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and tell your university's accommodation office.