15 May 2025
Moving to Ireland for education is an exciting journey for Gambian students, but it comes with unexpected risks. One of the biggest threats? Rental scams target newcomers who are unfamiliar with Ireland’s housing market. While adjusting to a new life and regularly making an online money transfer from Ireland to Gambia to support their families, many students fall victim to fraud due to a lack of awareness.
This blog explores why Gambian students are particularly vulnerable to rental scams in Ireland and how they can stay protected.
While Gambian students typically speak English, Irish housing terms, fast-paced landlord communication, or unfamiliar accents can cause confusion. This often leads to miscommunication—or worse, trusting the wrong people.
Culturally, students may not feel confident questioning landlords or asking for verification. That polite hesitation can cost them hundreds, even thousands, in scam losses.
Ireland’s housing market is brutally competitive. Especially in Dublin, rooms are snapped up within hours. Scammers know this and use fake urgency to rush Gambian students into paying deposits.
Phrases like “other people are interested” or “you must pay today to reserve it” are big red flags. Unfortunately, those struggling to find a place may feel they have no choice.
Scammers know that international students are less familiar with Irish rental laws and may not be able to visit properties in person. This makes them prime targets. Gambian students are often lured into too-good-to-be-true listings and pressured into fast decisions.
Yes—this is the most common trick. Scammers steal photos from real properties listed on legit websites and create fake versions. Then they pretend to be landlords and ask for deposits—sometimes even sending forged IDs or rental agreements.Once the payment is made, they vanish. No property, no refund.
Scammers prefer non-traceable payment methods—like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or sketchy transfer apps. They also discourage students from using safe channels or involving family members.
This is why using trusted services like ACE Money Transfer becomes essential for home remittance, as it keeps financial transactions secure and visible to both the sender and the receiver.
These scams aren’t just about fake properties—they play on trust, fear, and emotions. Gambian students far from home can be easy targets when scammers say just the right things.
Absolutely. Some scammers pretend to be Gambian themselves, or say things like “we only rent to African students” to build quick trust. This kind of manipulation is both clever and cruel. It makes students feel like they’ve found a safe space when in fact they’re walking into a trap.
When students see a decent listing, they fear missing the opportunity—especially after weeks of rejection. That urgency leads them to pay quickly, without verifying if the property or landlord is real. Taking a moment to slow down and double-check the listing can make a huge difference.
Though ACE Money Transfer isn’t involved in renting properties, it plays a key role in helping families safely support students financially from abroad.
Using untraceable apps or cash-based methods is risky, especially with online listings. But when families use ACE Money Transfer, they benefit from secure, fast, and regulated transfers.
It’s easy to use, has low fees, and allows real-time tracking—perfect for students and families coordinating rent support from home. Plus, it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on over 129,000 reviews—a strong sign of trust and customer satisfaction.
If a deal seems suspicious or if a student has already been scammed, they’re not alone. Help is available—but only if they know where to look.
Most Irish universities have housing departments that list verified landlords and offer direct guidance. For example, both University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin provide safe housing solutions. It’s worth checking official housing pages before even browsing third-party rental sites.
Students who’ve lost money can report scams to the Gardaí (Irish police) or consult Citizens Information to understand their tenancy rights. Student unions and African student organizations are also great sources of support and alerts about scam trends.
When it comes to renting in Ireland, here’s the golden rule: verify first, pay later. But what steps should every Gambian student follow before sending a deposit?
It only takes a few minutes to prevent months of stress and lost money.
Settling into a new life in Ireland comes with its own set of challenges, and Gambian students shouldn’t have to face financial risks like rental scams on top of everything else. Protecting themselves starts with awareness—being cautious, asking the right questions, and seeking guidance from trusted sources. Just as important is building strong financial habits early on, which empowers students to manage their money wisely, avoid common pitfalls, and create a stable foundation for their future abroad.
They may lack familiarity with Irish housing norms and face language or cultural barriers, making them easier to exploit.
Check if the listing appears on multiple websites, ask for a video tour, and verify the landlord’s identity before sending money.
Yes. Having your family use ACE Money Transfer ensures the payment is traceable, secure, and regulated—unlike risky peer-to-peer apps.
Report it to the Gardaí, inform your university’s housing office, and seek legal support if needed.
Yes—use your university’s accommodation services, well-known housing websites, and student union boards to find trustworthy listings.
