Beware of Accommodation Scams: A Guide for Foreign Students

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.