Avoid scams

Common warning signs

• You're asked to pay before viewing the room, in person or by a verified video call.
• The landlord claims to be "abroad" and will only communicate by chat or email.
• The price is unusually low for the area and the room shown.
• You're pressured to decide within hours.
• No written contract is offered before payment.

Other scams to watch for

• Fake job offers, roles that ask for an upfront payment, your bank details or copies of your documents before any real interview or contract.
• Bank and payment scams, messages pretending to be your bank or a payment app asking you to confirm details, move money or 'verify' your account.
• Phishing emails, fake messages posing as your university, the IND, DUO or a housing platform to steal your login, payment or personal data.
• Fake tickets, event, festival or travel tickets that don't exist, often advertised cheaply on social media or resale groups.
• Subscription traps, 'free trials' or one-off offers that quietly turn into recurring charges, so check the terms before entering card details.

How to protect yourself

• Always view the room, in person or by live video, not just photos.
• Pay only through traceable methods, and get a receipt.
• Verify the landlord's identity and that they actually own or manage the property.
• Ask your institution's housing office if a listing looks legitimate, they've often seen the same scam before.

If something feels wrong

Report suspected rental scams to the platform it was posted on, and, if money was already sent, to your bank and local police. The earlier you act, the more likely a payment can still be reversed.