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Beware of Accommodation Scams: A Guide for Foreign Students

  • Writer: Centre for Language Learning
    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.

 
 
 

11 Comments


Suri Ji
Suri Ji
6 days ago

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Subway Surfers City
Subway Surfers City
Mar 19

The reminder to never rush payments and always verify listings is extremely important in today’s fast-moving online world. Building trust through verification and patience is key in any online interaction, something also reflected when engaging with platforms like Subway Surfers City.

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Daily Harry
Daily Harry
Mar 12

Kart Bros 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.

Edited
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John Mendoza
John Mendoza
Mar 17
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NolanGolden
Mar 05

Great and very helpful guide for international students. Accommodation Wacky Flip are unfortunately common, especially when students are searching online before arriving in a new country. Tips like not sending money before seeing the place and using trusted university platforms are really important to stay safe.

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