Bank of Ireland is warning students, parents and renters across Northern Ireland to be on high alert for accommodation scams. The warning comes following a 57% increase in accommodation fraud reports to the Bank during the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year.
With thousands of students preparing to start or return to university and college in the coming weeks, fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the pressure to secure accommodation before term begins. Criminals often advertise properties that do not exist, are already occupied, or are unavailable for rent, convincing victims to transfer deposits or advance rental payments before disappearing.
For many students, falling victim to an accommodation scam can mean more than simply losing money. It can also leave them scrambling to find somewhere to live just weeks before the new academic year starts.
Allison Ewing, Fraud Manager, Education & Awareness, Bank of Ireland UK, said:
“The weeks before the start of a new academic year are a busy and exciting time for students, but they can also create opportunities for fraudsters looking to take advantage of people who are under pressure to secure accommodation quickly.
“For students and families, the financial loss can be devastating, and then there is the additional stress of trying to find somewhere else to stay, often at very late notice.
“If you’re searching for accommodation, our advice is to take a little time to carry out some extra checks before transferring any money. If something feels rushed, pressured or too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine landlords and letting agents should not object to reasonable questions or verification checks.”
Tips to protect yourself:
- Use reputable letting agents where possible.
- Be particularly cautious of properties advertised exclusively through social media platforms or online sites.
- View the property in person before committing, or ask someone you trust to do so on your behalf.
- Verify the identity of the landlord or letting agent and ensure they have a legitimate connection to the property.
- Be wary of deals that appear significantly cheaper than similar properties in the area.
- Never feel pressured to transfer money immediately to secure a property, even for a small deposit.
- Get a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member before making a payment.
- Keep records of all communications and payment requests.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam should contact their bank immediately. Bank of Ireland customers can contact the Bank’s 24/7 fraud helpline on 0800 121 7790 or by dialling 159, the memorable short-code number that connects consumers safely and securely with their bank.
For advice and information on how to stay safe from fraud, visit Bank of Ireland UK’s Security and Fraud page.
