'Alert your bank immediately' - Gardaí advise Donegal students targeted in rental scams

Donegal gardaí are warning students in the county to be aware of rental scams. 

In a social media post posted, a garda spokesperson urged students to be cautious and issued a number of tips to avoid falling victim to fraud. 

According to gardaí, scams have become very sophisticated, and students seeking somewhere to live may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make a scam appear more convincing. 

The garda spokesperson stated, "Students are advised to research rental prices in the area in which they are looking and to be wary if the price seems too cheap. If it sounds too good to be true then it usually is! 

"Never agree to rent a property without having seen it first in person. Never use cash to pay the deposit. Do not make any payments until you have been given the written lease and until you have ensured that the key fits the door.  

"Should you fall victim to a rental scam or to any type of scam, please alert your bank immediately. Also report the matter to Gardaí.

"If you have already transferred money online or if you think that your financial details have been compromised then time is of the essence so please do not delay in making your report." 

Students seeking further information and advice can visit the Fraud Smart website.

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