Renting a room from Facebook Marketplace, groups or WhatsApp safely
Many rooms in Ireland are advertised in Facebook and WhatsApp groups. How to use them without getting caught by a scam.
Why these ads need extra care
Anyone can post in a group, nobody checks the ad first, and a fake profile takes minutes to make. Scammers copy real ads and photos and repost them with a lower price.
Check the profile
Look at how old the profile is, whether it has friends and posts going back years, and whether the name matches the person you meet.
Be careful if the same room is posted by different people, or the advertiser messages you first from a profile with few details.
Keep the conversation where you can see it
Scammers often move you quickly to another app or email. Keep screenshots of the ad and your messages.
Never send photos of your passport or bank card details before you've viewed the place and signed an agreement.
The rules that keep your money safe
View in person and meet the person with the keys before you pay anything, including a "holding fee".
Pay by bank transfer to an Irish account in their name and get a receipt. Never pay by money-transfer apps, crypto or gift cards.
If it sounds too good to be true for the area, it usually is.
A safer option
On StayLister, every ad is screened before it goes live, each ad shows whether the advertiser confirmed their phone, email and ID, and you message through the site. You still need to view in person before paying.
Common questions
Are rooms on Facebook Marketplace safe to rent?
These ads need extra care: anyone can post in a group, nobody checks the ad first, and scammers copy real ads and repost them with a lower price. View in person and meet the person with the keys before you pay anything.
How can I tell if a profile advertising a room is fake?
Look at how old the profile is, whether it has friends and posts going back years, and whether the name matches the person you meet. Be careful if the same room is posted by different people.
Should I send a photo of my passport to someone advertising a room?
Never send photos of your passport or bank card details before you've viewed the place and signed an agreement.