Every year, thousands of students begin the search for safe, affordable accommodation—unfortunately, it’s also the time when scammers become increasingly active. With demand rising and deadlines approaching, fraudsters take advantage of students who are stressed, unfamiliar with the area, or urgently looking for housing.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe during the 2025 student housing rush.

How Student Rental Scams Work

Scammers target students through online platforms such as social media, Marketplace listings, WhatsApp groups, and unofficial websites. Their methods often look convincing at first, but a closer look exposes clear warning signs.

Common Scam Tactics

• Fake rental listings advertising prime-location rooms at unbelievable prices.

• Urgency pressure, claiming “only one room left” to get students to pay quickly.

• No viewing required, or excuses why the property “cannot be shown right now.”

• Requesting full rent upfront before any contract is signed.

• Using the names of real student accommodation companies—including KPA and others—to appear legitimate.

• Redirecting students to companies they have no relationship with, after taking payment.

Red Flags Every Student Should Know

These are the most common signs you’re dealing with a scammer:

?? Payments to personal bank accounts

Legitimate student housing providers use registered business accounts.

?? No official rental contract

If there is no lease agreement, you are not protected.

?? “Too good to be true” prices

Cheap rooms in prime areas are almost always a trap.

?? Pressure to pay immediately

No real landlord or accommodation provider demands money before a viewing.

?? Unprofessional communication

Frequent spelling mistakes, no email signatures, no office address, or refusing to answer calls.

How to Protect Yourself

Whether you’re a first-year student or a returning tenant, follow these guidelines:

? View the property in person

If you can’t view it, ask for a trusted friend or family member to do so on your behalf.

? Check the company’s banking details

Always confirm that the account belongs to a registered business.

? Insist on a legal rental contract

Never pay before signing.

? Verify the agent or landlord

Look them up online, check reviews, and confirm their affiliation with the accommodation company they claim to represent.

? Ask for proof

Legitimate agents will always provide:

• Company registration

• Office address

• Official email

• A traceable phone number

? Report suspicious activity

Inform the accommodation company, your university, or local authorities immediately.

Why Students Are a Target

Students are often:

• New to renting

• In a rush to secure accommodation

• Unsure of standard rental pricing

• Exposed to large online housing groups

• Managing payments without parental oversight

Scammers know this—and exploit it.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam:

1. Stop all communication with the scammer.

2. Report the account or number to the platform where you found the listing.

3. Contact your bank immediately to try to reverse the payment.

4. File a case with SAPS for fraud.

5. Alert your university’s housing office and warn other students.

Stay Smart. Stay Safe. Share the Message.

Student accommodation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but with awareness and careful verification, students can avoid falling into these traps.

If you know someone searching for housing, share this article— It could save them thousands of rand and a lot of stress.