Lancaster Rents Student Apartments: Beware of Online Fraud

Lancaster Rents Student Apartments

Finding a place to live while you’re on the move can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. And with scammers trying to take advantage of your need for a new home, you’ll want to be extra vigilant to avoid being tricked out of your money. One particular online fraud involving rental properties and listings has made its way to Lancaster, police say.

The scam involves hijacked listing and phantom rentals, which make their way onto websites like Facebook Marketplace. A hijacked listing copies a legitimate advertisement—photos, location and description—and then is re-posted with a fake phone number. These listings can seem valid because they are similar to the original, but the landlord in question is actually a scammer, police say.

Another sign of a potential scam is when the landlord asks for a large deposit or application fee before they’ll show the property. This is a clear red flag, and you should always contact the landlord directly to request an appointment to view the property. Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t seen in person for an apartment that you haven’t toured, and make sure to compare the price with other rentals in the area.

In the case of a Lancaster student accommodation, the landlord lists an available room or house on a website but is unwilling to reveal the address. This is a common tactic for scammers, who can use stolen IDs to convince tenants that they are legitimate landlords. To check a landlord’s identity, search their name on Google or social media—particularly Facebook—to see what other posts they’ve made. If the only previous posts are about housing, and they have few friends or activities listed, it’s likely that the landlord is a scammer.

Lancaster Rents Student Apartments: Beware of Online Fraud

Police advise people to be wary of any landlords who are not in town. They can hire a local manager to manage their rental properties, but they are not going to be willing to do so if they’re not living in the area themselves. And if a landlord is asking for background checks or other personal information over the phone, that’s a red flag as well.

Lastly, be especially wary of any landlords who are unable or unwilling to provide an accurate street address, despite repeated requests from the renter. Those who have fallen victim to the scam have reported their experiences on the site Action Fraud, which has issued a warning to potential victims. A number of university campuses have also written to their Lancaster student accommodation to advise them of the scam, including Bournemouth University, which has urged its Chinese students to be especially vigilant.

Another alternative that has gained traction is co-living spaces. Co-living emphasizes community and shared experiences, providing students with the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. These spaces often feature private bedrooms alongside shared living areas and kitchens, fostering a sense of collaboration and collaboration among residents. Co-living can be particularly appealing to international students who seek a supportive and inclusive living environment.

Academic Focus: Student accommodation plays a crucial role in facilitating academic success. By providing a dedicated space for studying and learning, accommodations help students maintain focus and concentration. Well-designed study areas within the premises, equipped with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and access to resources, create an ideal environment for students to excel academically.

Lease Terms and Rental Application: If you are satisfied with the apartment after the viewing, our leasing agent will provide you with information about the lease terms, rental rates, and any additional charges. They will also guide you through the rental application process and assist you with any necessary paperwork.