5 min read · May 2026
How to spot a scam dorm listing (and how unidorms verifies)
Red flags Filipino students should watch for on Facebook Marketplace, and why unidorms.ph removes most of that risk.
The four most common scams
- “Reserve now with deposit, photos later.” Real landlords have nothing to hide — they show you the unit (or a verified video tour) first.
- “Walking distance to UP” but the address is in Cubao. Always cross-check the address on Google Maps.
- Asking for full first-month rent + deposit before you see the unit, via untraceable channels (random GCash, bank transfers to a personal account). On unidorms.ph the only online payment is the ₱2,500 down payment — credited toward your first month's rent and refundable if the host cancels or the unit is misrepresented.
- “Listing already taken — try this other one” bait-and-switch. Always insist on the listing you saw.
What unidorms.ph removes
- Every landlord submits a government ID + proof of authority over the unit (title or owner authorization). Verified ones show a ✓ Verified Listing badge.
- The ₱2,500 down payment is held by us until the 24-hour move-in fraud window closes — not forwarded to the landlord directly.
- After move-in you have a 24-hour fraud window to inspect and file a dispute. Validated disputes get a full refund.
- We never ask students to pay any platform fee. If anyone asks for that, it’s not us.
Still doing your own checks?
- Search the building name + "scam" on Reddit (r/Philippines, r/college).
- Ask current tenants in the comments — most are happy to chat.
- Insist on a video call walkthrough if you can’t visit in person.
Ready to find your dorm?
Every listing on unidorms.ph is KYC-verified and protected by our 24-hour move-in guarantee.
