As students begin their searching for accommodations ahead of the 2025 academic year, scammers are are increasingly using Facebook to lure students.
Students have been urged to check the legitimacy of students accommodation advertisements on social media before making any payments. Picture: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers Graphics: SihleMlambo/IOLAs students gear up for the 2025 academic year, social media platforms like Facebook , have seen a surge inwhere scammers prey on desperate students looking for housing solutions.
These types of scams are common as students prepares to go back to their respective institutions for the new semester. “The accommodation offer seemed legitimate at first because the person posting the ad provided clear photos of the apartment and a detailed description of the amenities,” she told IOL News.Looking back, Mavuso acknowledged missing several red flags that could have prevented her from being“I missed some red flags, such as the person asking for payment upfront without a proper lease agreement,” she said.
Mavuso advised students, especially ‘freshers’ to thoroughly research the landlord or property manager and avoid making upfront payments without a proper lease agreement. “Students can also contact the student housing department on campus to verify the legitimacy of the accommodation.”in person, assessing the safety and services offered at the facility, and reading online reviews where possible.
“This is because NSFAS has multiple payment methods, and these differ from one institution to another,” he said.
Simphiwe Mavuso Facebook Student Survival 2024 Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi Gauteng National Student Financial Aid Scheme South African Landlords Association Business Administration Regends Business School Johannesburg Iol News Private Student Housing Association Psha Dhet South African Police Service Nevhuhulwi Simphiwe Mavuso Facebook Student Survival Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi Gauteng National Student Financial Aid Scheme South African Landlords Association Regends Business School Johannesburg Business Administration Iol News Private Student Housing Association Psha Dhet South African Police Service Nevhuhulwi
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