Don't Get Scammed
Groningen is safe, but the online housing market is full of sharks preying on international students. Learn how to spot them instantly.
The “Instant Reject“ List
If you see ANY of these, block the contact immediately. Do not negotiate.
Western Union / MoneyGram
Legitimate landlords NEVER use cash transfer services. Bank transfer only.
“I cannot show the room“
“I am abroad“, “The key is with a friend“, etc. No viewing = No money.
ID Theft Bait
They ask for your Passport copy before you've even seen the room. Never send it.
Airbnb “Deposit“ Link
They send a link that looks like Airbnb/Booking.com to pay a deposit. It is a fake phishing site.
How to Verify a Landlord
Found a listing that looks real? Don't trust it yet. Use these 3 tools to verify the person actually owns the building.
Google Reverse Image Search
Right-click the listing photos and search Google. Scammers often steal photos from fancy real estate sites in other cities (or even other countries!). If the room appears on a site in Amsterdam or London, it's fake.
Kadaster Check (€2.95)
The Kadaster is the official Dutch Land Registry. For a small fee, you can see who legally owns the property at that address. If the owner's name doesn't match your landlord's name, it's probably a scam.
Visit KadasterVideo Call Test
If you are abroad, ask for a live video call (WhatsApp/Zoom) where they walk into the room and open the window. Scammers cannot do this because they don't have the keys.
The “Test“ Message
Not sure if they are real? Send this message. A real landlord will agree or explain. A scammer will get defensive or ignore the request.
Free Legal Help
Never sign a contract you don't understand. These organizations help students for free.
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