Looking for student housing in Plymouth? It can feel really stressful. Plymouth University is popular. This means lots of students need places to live. Sadly, scammers know this too. They target students who are desperate for accommodation.
More students are getting scammed now than ever before. In 2025, accommodation fraud cases jumped by 22%. Students have lost thousands of pounds to fake landlords. Some have paid deposits for properties that don’t exist.
Finding student halls in Plymouth requires extra care. You need to watch out for warning signs. This guide shows you how to spot scams. It will help you avoid losing money to fraudsters.
Why Students Are Easy Targets for Scams
Students face tough challenges when house hunting. You usually need to find somewhere fast. Peak periods like July and August make this worse. Everyone is competing for the same properties.
Many students have never rented before. You might not know what to look for. Scammers use this against you. They create fake listings that look real.
Scammers understand student life. They know you’re busy with studies. They realize you often search online instead of visiting places. They use these facts to trick you.
8 Warning Signs of Plymouth Student Accommodation Scams
1. Prices That Look Too Cheap
Is a Plymouth city center room way cheaper than others? This is suspicious. Rental prices in the UK keep rising. Real bargains are very rare now.
Scammers use low prices to grab attention. They know students have tight budgets. Don’t fall for this trick.
Check rental prices in different areas first. Look at several listings. This helps you understand normal costs.
2. Landlord Says They’re Away
This scam happens all the time. The fake landlord claims they’re abroad. They might say they’re traveling or working overseas. Then they demand a deposit before you can view the property.
Real landlords let you see properties first. Their agents can show you around instead. Never pay money without seeing your potential home.
3. Rush to Pay Deposits
Scammers love creating fake urgency. They say other students are interested. They claim you must pay immediately to secure the place. Some say the offer ends in hours.
Don’t rush into anything. Take time to check everything properly. Good landlords understand this is a big decision for you.
4. Dodgy or Fake Photos
Many scammers steal photos from real listings. The pictures might look professional. But they don’t match the description or location properly.
Use Google’s reverse image search. Check if the same photos appear on other websites. Real listings have original photos of the actual property.
5. Strange Communication
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Lots of spelling mistakes
- Bad grammar throughout messages
- WRITING IN ALL CAPITALS
- Vague answers to your questions
- Won’t give you phone numbers
- Only uses text messages or email
6. Weird Payment Requests
Normal landlords accept bank transfers or cheques. Be very careful if they ask for:
- Western Union money transfers
- Gift cards or shopping vouchers
- Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies
- Cash payments to strangers
Always keep records of payments you make.
7. Missing Property Details
Fake listings often miss important information:
- No exact address given
- No clear contact details
- Very basic property descriptions
- No utility or service information
- No proper rental agreement
How to Find Real Plymouth Student Accommodation
Use University Resources
Plymouth University has lists of approved accommodation providers. Check their official website first. They give safety advice too.
Check Landlord Credentials
Ask for proof they own or manage the property. Good landlords share this information happily.
Visit Properties First
Always see places before paying anything. Can’t visit yourself? Ask a trusted friend in Plymouth to go for you.
Use Trusted Websites
Stick to well-known accommodation platforms. They check listings before posting them. Try the best student accommodation marketplace for extra security and verified properties.
Get Written Agreements
Real rental contracts are detailed and professional. Don’t trust verbal promises alone.
What to Do If You Find a Scam
Stop All Contact
Don’t pay anything more. Stop talking to the scammer immediately.
Report the Fraud
Contact these people right away:
- Action Fraud (UK’s fraud reporting center)
- Your bank if you already paid money
- The website where you found the listing
- Plymouth University accommodation team
Get Help
Don’t feel embarrassed if you got scammed. Contact your university’s student services. They help students find real housing.
Extra Safety Tips for Plymouth Students
Learn About Different Areas
Get to know Plymouth’s neighborhoods. Find out typical rental costs near campus.
Talk to Other Students
Join official Plymouth University Facebook groups. Current students share housing tips. They warn about known scams too.
Start Looking Early
Begin your housing search months ahead. This reduces pressure. You won’t make rushed decisions.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
Something feels wrong about a listing? Trust that instinct. It’s better to miss a property than lose money.
Final Thoughts
Finding safe student accommodation in Plymouth takes time and care. Learn these warning signs. Follow proper checks before paying anything.
Good landlords want to build trust with tenants. They’re happy to show properties. They answer questions honestly. They provide proper paperwork.
Don’t rush when choosing where to live. Your safety matters more than finding housing quickly. Take time to research properly. You’ll find legitimate, comfortable accommodation for your Plymouth University studies.
Stay updated on new scam methods. Always check property listings through multiple sources. Your careful approach now will save you money and stress later.