Gardaí warn students of rental scams and money mule recruitment ahead of CAO offers

Over €400,000 lost to rental fraud in Ireland so far in 2026. Gardaí also alert students about organised criminal groups recruiting money mules.

Gardaí alert students to rental scams and money mule risk as CAO offers approach

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that Gardaí have issued a major fraud warning targeting students ahead of this year's CAO offers, urging those seeking college accommodation to remain vigilant against rental scams and money mule recruitment.

More than 230 rental and reservation scams were reported to Gardaí in the first seven months of 2026, with total losses exceeding €400,000 up to 31 July. The alert coincides with thousands of students receiving their Leaving Certificate results and beginning their search for college accommodation.

Gardaí say August to October is traditionally the peak period for accommodation fraud, as demand for rental properties surges across the country.

Detective Inspector Alan Govern of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau called on students and parents to use only recognised letting agencies or verified landlords.

"Students should only use recognised letting agencies or deal with people who are bona fide and trusted," he said.

Govern also flagged the risks posed by social media listings. "Be very wary of social media advertisements or where a person letting the property will only communicate via Messenger or WhatsApp," he said.

Gardaí are advising students to use secure and traceable payment methods when securing accommodation.

"Never transfer money directly, pay cash, or pay into cryptocurrency wallets," Detective Inspector Govern said.

Alongside the accommodation warning, Gardaí have issued a separate alert about organised criminal groups targeting students as money mules. These groups approach young people via social media, messaging apps and fake job advertisements, offering easy money in exchange for access to their bank accounts.

A money mule receives criminal proceeds into their account and transfers the funds elsewhere — sometimes without initially understanding the origin of the money. Gardaí say the majority of money mule accounts belong to people aged between 18 and 24, though some cases have involved children as young as 14.

Detective Inspector Govern stressed the legal consequences for anyone who participates, knowingly or otherwise.

"There is no easy money to be made out there," he said, adding that allowing a bank account to be used for laundering criminal proceeds constitutes a serious criminal offence — even where the account holder claims they were unaware the funds were stolen.

Gardaí advise students never to share bank account details, PIN numbers or online banking credentials with anyone, and never to transfer money on behalf of someone they have only met online.

Anyone who believes they have been defrauded, or who has been approached to act as a money mule, is urged to contact their bank immediately and report the matter to their local Garda station.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)