Accommodation Fraud – Impact on visitors to Ireland

How it occurs and what can be done about it

September 2nd 2026

As August rolls into September, Ireland welcomes many international students who have enrolled in college courses in Dublin and other cities, and for most of whom it will be an enjoyable and memorable time in their lives.  

Unfortunately, a small number are victims of accommodation fraud, whereby they book and pay for a place to stay during college term, and then arrive in Ireland to find that the property is not available, and their deposit and rent has been already handed over to the fraudsters.   This is a particularly difficult crime for the Gardai to pursue, as it happens mostly online, and the perpetrator may be based in a different jurisdiction.

However, this is a situation where Tourist SOS may be able to assist.   We can advise students on their options, assist them in reporting the crime to Gardai, support in contacting their embassy, arranging emergency cash transfers from their family overseas, even in some cases arranging temporary short term accommodation to give them time to find somewhere longer term to stay.    

So if you do come across a student who is a victim of such a crime, let them know that help is at hand via Tourist SOS.

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