Beware of Accommodation Scams: A Guide for Foreign Students
- Centre for Language Learning
- Feb 2
- 1 min read
Finding a place to live in a new country can be stressful. Unfortunately, scammers know this and often target foreign students, especially before arriving in the country. Scammers target new students because they are far from home and need a place to stay in a town or city that they don’t know. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself.
Common scams include:
Properties advertised on Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp that don’t exist
Very cheap rooms or flats near the university
Asking for money before you see the place
Landlords who refuse to meet and won’t show the room on a live video call
Messages that pressure you to pay quickly
How to protect yourself:
Do not send money before you see the accommodation
Use accommodation platforms recommended by your university or trusted student residences
Be cautious of landlords who only communicate via WhatsApp and avoid phone or video calls
Ask for a written rental agreement
Be careful with ads on Facebook and WhatsApp
Do not pay with gift cards, cash apps, or cryptocurrency
Extra tips for South Africa:
Real landlords usually use South African bank accounts
Check the area’s safety and transport options because the distance on a map can be misleading
Ask your university’s international office for help
If the price is very low, be extra careful
If something feels wrong, stop and ask for advice. Ask your university’s housing office, international student support, or a trusted local contact to check the listing with you. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t let anyone rush you.
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This is really valuable advice, especially for international students who may be renting for the first time in a new country. One of the biggest red flags is being asked to pay a deposit before seeing the property or having a proper video viewing. Taking a little extra time to verify the landlord and using university-recommended accommodation services can save a lot of money and stress.
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