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Spot the scam

Six short room ads and messages, all made up for practice. For each one, decide: scam, or looks OK? Then see the warning signs, the same ones our checks look for in every ad and message.

Example 1: Reply from the advertiser

Made-up message: "Hi! I’m working abroad at the moment so I can’t show you the room. Send the deposit and first month’s rent and I’ll post you the keys."

This is a scam.

  • The landlord says they are abroad, so you can’t view it.
  • Keys "sent by post" after you pay.
  • Money before a viewing.

Example 2: Double room in a 3-bed house share, €850 a month, bills extra

Made-up ad: "Viewings on Saturday from 11 to 1. After the viewing, the deposit is one month’s rent by bank transfer, with a written agreement and a receipt."

This looks OK.

  • You see the room before paying anything.
  • Payment by bank transfer, with a receipt and a written agreement.
  • Still: meet the person, check they have the keys, and bring a friend.

Example 3: Reply from the advertiser

Made-up message: "Lots of people want this room! Send €500 today by a money-transfer app to hold it, or it goes to the next person tomorrow."

This is a scam.

  • Pressure to decide and pay today.
  • Money to "hold" a room you haven’t seen.
  • A money-transfer app instead of a bank account in the landlord’s name.

Example 4: Large ensuite room in the city centre, €350 a month, all bills included

Made-up ad: "Beautiful room, available now. Message me on WhatsApp for details and photos."

This is a scam.

  • The rent is far below similar rooms nearby: the most common bait.
  • It moves you off the site straight away.
  • Compare it with the rent guide for the area before you reply.

Example 5: Reply from the advertiser

Made-up message: "The room is yours. I only take payment in Bitcoin or gift cards, it’s quicker for me. Once it’s paid I’ll send the address."

This is a scam.

  • Crypto or gift cards: once sent, the money is gone.
  • No address until you pay, so no viewing.

Example 6: Monday to Friday digs near the college, €140 a week with dinners

Made-up ad: "Come and meet the family and see the room first. We’ll write down what’s included and the notice, and give a receipt for every payment."

This looks OK.

  • You meet them and see the room first.
  • What’s included and the notice in writing, and receipts.
  • Still: never pay before the viewing.

The rules that stop almost every scam

  • Never pay a deposit, rent or holding fee before you have viewed the room in person.
  • Never pay in cash, crypto or gift cards, or by money-transfer apps, and never to someone who says they are abroad.
  • Be careful with rents far below similar rooms nearby, and with pressure to decide today.
  • Keep messages on StayLister until you have met, and use Report this ad if something looks wrong.