Stay Safe on Arbicle
Watch Out for These Scam Signs
Rental fraud is a real risk in Ireland, particularly in high-demand markets. Learn to recognise these common warning signs.
Price too good to be true
If a property is listed well below the market rate for its area and size, treat it with extreme scepticism. Scammers use attractive prices to generate urgency. Use Arbicle's market data to benchmark any listing.
Landlord claims to be abroad
A common scam involves a "landlord" who is overseas for work or travel and will send you keys after you transfer money. Legitimate Irish landlords or agents are accessible in Ireland for viewings.
No viewing offered
If a landlord refuses or delays organising an in-person viewing — citing any reason — do not proceed. You should always view a property before paying any money. Virtual tours should supplement, never replace, an in-person visit.
Requests wire transfer or cryptocurrency
Legitimate landlords and agents accept standard payment methods (bank transfer via IBAN, or cheque). Requests for Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency payments are a near-certain sign of fraud.
Pressure to pay immediately
Scammers create artificial urgency: "Other people are very interested" or "I need the deposit today or I'll offer it to someone else". A legitimate landlord gives you time to view, ask questions, and decide.
Eircode does not match the address
Always verify the Eircode at finder.eircode.ie. If the Eircode does not correspond to the address given, the listing may be fraudulent or an attempt to misrepresent the property's location.
Photos look copied from the internet
Reverse image search any suspicious listing photos (drag the image into Google Images or TinEye). Scammers frequently steal photographs from legitimate listings or estate agency websites.
No lease or contract offered
A legitimate tenancy always includes a written tenancy agreement before you move in. If a landlord is reluctant to provide a written lease or suggests you "settle it later", this is a serious red flag.
Safe Renting Checklist
Follow these 10 steps every time you rent a property in Ireland.
Always view the property in person before paying any money.
Verify the Eircode matches the address at finder.eircode.ie.
Confirm the landlord owns the property (search Landdirect.ie for ownership records).
Confirm the landlord is verified on Arbicle and check their profile for reviews.
Pay your deposit and rent only by secure bank transfer (IBAN); never wire transfer or cash.
Get a written receipt for every payment.
Sign a written tenancy agreement before moving in — and read it in full.
Photograph the property on move-in day and send a timestamped email to the landlord noting pre-existing damage.
Keep all communication in writing using Arbicle messaging or email.
Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
If Something Feels Wrong
Never feel pressure to proceed with a listing that makes you uncomfortable. Our Trust & Safety team reviews all reports within 24 hours.
If you see a listing that looks suspicious, uses copied photographs, misrepresents the property, or if a landlord asks you to do anything unusual — report it immediately. Your report helps protect other users.