More than €20,746 was stolen from 12 people who reported rental fraud to the Gardaí last month. 

The figures from the Gardaí also reveal that two foreign nationals who moved to Ireland lost €5,500 between them.

While there was an overall decrease of 11% in reports of accommodation fraud in the first half of the year, Gardaí are warning that approximately one third of all rent fraud reports occurs in August and September.

The data also found that more than half of the victims of accommodation fraud are  male while 46% are female.

34% of victims are under 25, while 66% are under 33 years of age.

Gardaí are advising people to be wary of individuals who claim to be out of the country and cannot show the renter the property unless they pay a deposit.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said potential renters should look for warning signs which include a property only advertised through social media or a landlord who will only communicate via Messenger or WhatsApp.

Renters are also advised to push for direct answers and if responses are vague, then they should disengage immediately or if the landlord is unable to meet up to show the property in person.