Cases of accommodation fraud have already jumped by 22 per cent this year - with officers investigating 160 different complaints.
Gardaí have warned of the threat from scammers targeting students trying to find accommodation in the run up to college and university terms beginning.
Investigators also say that records from last year showed a spike in such scams in August and September - when students are looking for college accommodation. And one in three of all victims is under 25- while two thirds are 33 or younger. The statement said fraudsters often advertise a room for rent, but claim to be out of the country and cannot show the renter the property unless they pay a deposit. But when the cash is paid, the fraudster disappears and there is no room for the student.
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