Is this rental real?

• The rent looks too low for the area.
• The home is only on social media, or the landlord will only talk on Messenger or WhatsApp.
• They contacted you first, or they are based abroad.
• They can't meet you to show the home.
• They push you to pay a deposit quickly.
• They want money before you sign a lease.
• They ask for cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards or an untraceable transfer.
• They give vague answers to direct questions.
• The ad has few details, few photos, or a lot of spelling mistakes.

• See the home in person. The Gardaí say never to agree to rent a home you haven't viewed.
• Check the keys fit the locks before you pay, and ask to see photo ID.
• Check whether the home is registered with the RTB.
• Find the exact address on a map, and run a reverse image search on the photos.
• Ask something only a person who knows the home could answer, like the nearest bus stop.
• If it's on a website, look closely at the web address and contact details. Sites can be cloned.
• Compare the rent with the average for the area.

Check the RTB average for your area

• Avoid cash, cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer payment apps.
• The Gardaí advise paying by credit card or a traceable bank transfer.
• Insist on a receipt and a written agreement.
• Don't give personal or banking details to someone you don't know.

• Contact your bank straight away and ask about a recall.
• Report it at your local Garda station.