Student scams in Ireland: money mules and rental scams
12 August 2025
Heading back to college should be an exciting time. You may be moving away from home, living independently for the first time, and meeting new people. However, the independence also comes with new risks. Each year, more students become victims of scams designed to take advantage of their need for money or accommodation. Two of the most prevalent scams affecting college students are money mules and rental scams. Scams targeting college students in Ireland are becoming more sophisticated. This guide will help you recognise the red flags, avoid becoming a victim, and know what to do if you are approached. Let’s break down how these scams work and how students can best protect themselves.
Money mule scams in Ireland
What is a money mule and why are young students targeted
A Money Mule is someone who transfers money on behalf of criminals, often unknowingly. The money may be sent to you and you are then asked to forward it to another account, often in exchange for a payment or commission. Becoming a Money Mule is a crime whether you are aware you are doing it or not. The money being transferred is the proceeds of crime.
Students make for a very easy target when fraudsters are looking to recruit Money Mules. The criminals target students with the promise of easy cash for minimal work, which sounds great to someone who is trying to balance the financial pressure of college and a busy academic schedule. ‘Job Offers’ are normally posted on social media or emails, asking the victim to transfer money through their bank accounts in exchange for a fee.
Warning signs of a money mule scam
There are clear signs that an opportunity is not genuine. Be cautious if a job is
- Advertised with vague descriptions and high pay for minimal work
- Requests to use your bank account to transfer money
- Communicated through unofficial channels (e.g. Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok)
- Asks you to keep the job a secret or avoid telling your bank
Student rental scams in Ireland
Finding student accommodation in Ireland can be challenging, especially in cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway. Scammers know this and use the high demand to trick students into paying for housing that doesn’t exist or isn’t available. Common tactics include fake listings in student Facebook groups or on classified ad websites, landlords who claim to be abroad and cannot show you the property in person, and requests for a deposit before you have viewed the property. Some scammers copy photos from real ads and change the contact details, so the property looks genuine.
For a more detailed advice on spotting a rental scam, you can read our guide on rental scams.
How college students can avoid money mule & rental scams
Protecting yourself from scams starts with knowing the risks and taking simple precautions.
For money mule scams, never allow anyone else to use your bank account. Research any job offer carefully and check if the company exists. Be cautious of opportunities found through social media or messaging apps, especially if they offer quick money.
For rental scams, always view the property in person before paying any money. Verify that the landlord or letting agent is genuine. In Ireland, landlords must register with the Residential Tenancies Board, so check the RTB register. Keep copies of all correspondence, and if something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and walk away.
What do you do if you’ve been targeted
If you believe you have been approached by a money mule recruiter, stop all communication immediately, do not agree to transfer any funds and inform the Garda. If you have already participated in any action, contact your bank regarding the service you used to conduct the transaction.
If you have paid money to a suspected rental scammer, contact your bank as quickly as possible to see if the payment can be stopped. Report the scam to the Garda and keep any evidence such as messages, emails, and payment receipts.