Trust & Anti-Scam Guide

Relocating to a new city or country for university or work should be an exciting journey. StayForAll is committed to providing a secure, transparent housing marketplace that protects international students, corporate expats, and property hosts from rental scams, identity fraud, and deceptive practices. Our Trust & Safety framework combines digital identity audits, physical room inspection visits, automated fraud screening, and clear community conduct standards.

International students relocating to Europe are frequently targeted by online housing scammers. Follow this anti-scam checklist before signing agreements or sending funds: • Verify Listing Badges: Always check whether the listing carries StayForAll's "Verified Host" or "Verified Inspection" badge. • Never Send Cash Advance Wire Transfers: Never transfer money via untraceable services (such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Bitcoin, or peer-to-peer cash apps) to an unverified landlord prior to a viewing or official contract. • Beware of Off-Platform Payment Invoices: Scammers frequently generate fake Airbnb, Booking.com, or bank escrow invoice PDFs. StayForAll does not issue off-platform payment emails demanding cash wire transfers. • Verify Key Handover Protocols: Be cautious if a landlord claims to be "currently abroad" and offers to mail room keys via courier service only after receiving a deposit. • Confirm Physical Address: Verify that the rental property address actually exists on official maps and matches municipal records.

When attending room viewings or meeting prospective flatmates (WGs): • Attend Viewings During Daylight: Schedule initial room viewings during daylight hours whenever possible. • Bring a Companion: Bring a friend, fellow student, or university colleague with you to the viewing. • Inspect Facilities: Check that room layout, furnishings, Wi-Fi, heating, and bathroom amenities match the listing description. • Trust Your Instincts: If a host demands immediate cash payment, behaves aggressively, or refuses to provide identification, leave the premises and report the account immediately.

StayForAll protects landlords and property hosts as well as tenants: • Verified Tenant Dossiers: Landlords receive verified student dossiers (proof of student status, income, identity summary) submitted through official application channels. • Secure Messaging: Keep initial landlord-tenant communications within StayForAll's secure messaging platform to maintain an auditable record of interaction. • Respectful Tenant Care: Tenants agree to respect house rules, quiet hours, property cleanliness, and agreed occupancy limits.

If you encounter a suspicious room listing, abusive message, or scam attempt: • In-App Report Button: Click the "Report" button available on any room listing, user profile, or chat message thread. • Immediate Investigation: Reported accounts undergo immediate review by StayForAll's Safety Team. Accounts found engaging in fraud are suspended immediately, revoking login sessions across all devices. • Law Enforcement Referral: Severe criminal acts—including identity theft, financial fraud, or threats—are referred to law enforcement authorities.

If you feel unsafe or suspect an active scam attempt, contact our Safety & Governance Team immediately: • Safety Email: [email protected] • Response Time: Urgent safety reports are prioritized by our team. • Emergency Services: If you are in immediate physical danger, contact local emergency services (112 in Europe / 999 in the UK / 911 in North America) immediately.