Dublin City Council has warned of an email scam asking potential private renters for a down payment on non-existent property.
Council spokesman Alan Breen said there has been at least one incident where he is aware money was transferred to the account of the scammer who is claiming to be from the council.
Mr Breen said that there is a heavy demand on the housing rental market at this time of year, as colleges resume. He said that the scam is targeting people living abroad.
A bogus name, “Alfred Marshall” and bogus email address “Dublin City Council Dublin City Council” dublin_city_council@dublin.com is being used in the fraud.
The email advises unsuspecting victims to deposit two months’ rent in an account. A bogus tenancy agreement is also included.
DCC said gardaí are investigating the incidents reported so far.
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