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College Students Warned Of 'One Time Offer' Accommodation Scams

Monday, 25 August 2025 15:13

TUS Athlone Students Union is urging students to reach out if they get scammed.

College students are being warned rent scammers will use a sense of urgency or a ‘one-time offer’ to trick them into handing over money as quickly as possible.

160 incidents of accommodation fraud totaling €385,000 in losses were reported in the first half of the year, compared to €617,000 for the entire of 2024.

People are being advised to pay for accommodation in an easily traceable way, and to avoid payment via apps such as Revolut or cryptocurrency exchanges.

Detective Sergeant Niall Smith of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, says people should not rush into any agreements:

Dara Lenihan, President of TUS Athlone Students' Union, says students should ask for help if they get scammed:

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