I avoid scams while looking for my accommodation

I should be aware that scammers take advantage of my unfamiliarity with the French rental system, especially during periods of high demand. They exploit my fear of missing out on a place to live before the start of classes. To avoid falling victim to these scams, I need to pay attention to the following information:

1. I must never send money before signing a lease. A rental property cannot be "reserved" by sending a sum of money. I should only pay the first month's rent and provide a security deposit to the landlord at the time of signing the lease. Sending money before signing is a red flag. Scammers may ask me to use unusual payment methods such as cash mandates, Western Union, Moneygram, Neosurf tickets, Transcash coupons, Toneo First cards, Ria mandates, etc. These methods have one thing in common: the recipient can receive the money in cash, making it untraceable.
2. I need to be cautious with my official documents. Some scammers may try to collect copies of my ID cards, tax notices, etc. and later use them for identity theft. It is highly advised not to send my documents online unless I use a trusted third-party platform like DossierFacile.fr. Such platforms can add a watermark to my document copies before sending them to landlords, ensuring protection against fraudulent use.
3. I should be cautious of unrealistically low prices. I should carefully check the photos and description of the property to assess the credibility of the offer. The rental amount can also provide a clue. If it seems significantly lower than the average for the neighborhood or amenities provided, I should exercise caution.
4. It is advisable to verify the personal information provided by the person who posted the listing, such as email, address, etc. This verification helps ensure the authenticity of the information and the credibility of the person behind the advertisement.
5. In the case of shared accommodation: I should request the contacts of the roommates and communicate with them to ensure their existence. It is important to establish contact and confirm the legitimacy of the roommates mentioned in the advertisement.

For further information regarding my accommodation search in Grenoble, I can visit the ISSO website. They provide valuable tips and guidance, accessible through the following link: https://international.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/getting-organized/accommodation/looking-for-accommodation/tips-for-finding-accommodation/tips-for-finding-accommodation-783848.kjsp?RH=1609855466613

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