International Student Anti-Fraud & Rental Safe-Guards
PAY EXTREME ATTENTION
Anti-fraud and safety measures for international students
Moving to a new country for university is a big step, but it also makes you a prime target for international cybercriminals and real estate scammers. As students are forced to secure accommodation abroad without physical viewings,
scammers exploit this vulnerability daily.
As part of our commitment to your safe relocation to Europe, this framework outlines the critical red flags you need to recognize to protect your money and safety.
The 4 Critical Red Flags for Rentals
(Never Ignore Them)
1. “Too Good to Be True” Prices
If you find a modern, fully furnished studio in the center of Amsterdam, Helsinki, Paris or Munich for €400 to €500, it’s 100% a scam. Always research the local average student rental prices in your city before sending money. If the price is shockingly low, walk away.
2. The landlord is “currently abroad”
This is the most classic scam scenario.
The “landlord” will claim to live or work abroad (e.g. a doctor in Africa, an engineer in the UK, or an aid worker) and cannot show you the apartment in person. They will promise to mail you the keys via a courier service (such as DHL or FedEx) only after you pay the deposit. Real landlords or legitimate agencies will always have a local representative or a secure physical process.
3. Urgent pressure tactics (fake absence)
Scammers rely on creating panic. They will tell you that “10 other students are waiting to pay right now” or “you need to transfer the deposit within 2 hours or you will lose the room.” Legitimate student housing providers and landlords understand the administrative delays of international relocation and will never aggressively pressure you for instant transfers.
4. Unorthodox and untraceable payment requests
Never pay a housing deposit via:
Western Union or MoneyGram, Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, etc.) Revolut payment links or cash-sending apps. Transferring funds to a “friend’s name” to prove you have the money. Always insist on an official bank transfer
with a valid IBAN/BIC, where the account holder’s name matches the landlord’s name or the agency name registered on your contract.
Your step-by-step checklist
Before signing any rental agreement or sending a single euro, perform these structural safety checks:
Request a live video tour: Refuse to rely on still photos or pre-recorded videos. Request a live video call (WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams) where the owner or agent shows you the apartment in real time, opens the windows, and checks to see if they have the keys. If their room is “broken” or they refuse, cancel the deal.
Do a reverse image search: Download the apartment photos from the listing and upload them to Google Images.
Scammers often steal beautiful apartment photos from Airbnb listings or real estate websites in completely different countries.
Check the agency’s credentials: If you’re dealing with an
agency, check their official registration. For example, in the UK, check if they are registered on Propertymark or the official Companies House register.
Use certified student accommodation platforms:
Whenever possible, use student housing ecosystems verified and supported by universities (such as HOAS in Finland, DUWO in the Netherlands, or certified platforms like HousingAnywhere, AmberStudent, or Yugo, Studapart, and Nexty Studea in France, Resa or Livensa Living in Spain, and Storia.ro in Romania, or housing platforms listed on HubStudentsEurope.com).
Where to report fraud in each country:
Romania: Romanian Police: The criminal complaint is filed physically at the nearest police station where the property is located or online through the official petition portal of the Romanian Police.National Directorate of Cyber Security (DNSC): If the fraud involved cloned or phishing sites, it can be reported to the unique number 1911 or on DNSC.ro.
1. Criminal Complaint (Fraud):
- Where: At the nearest police station or the Prosecutor's Office.
- What to bring: A copy of your ID, bank statements (proof of payment), and screenshots of the listing and conversation history (WhatsApp, email).
- Purpose: To hold the scammer accountable and recover your money.
2. Report to ANAF (Tax Authority):
- Where: Online via the ANAF website / SPV portal.
How to fill out the form, step by step:
Under "Category," select: Tax evasion reports.
Under "Identification details," the student enters their full name and a valid email address.
In the "Message" box, write a brief, to-the-point message including:
-The apartment address.
-The landlord's name.
-The amount paid (and whether it was paid in cash or via bank transfer).
-At the very bottom, under "Attached files," upload screenshots of WhatsApp conversations or the bank statement.
Click "Send," and that’s it.
- Purpose: If they took your money without a contract or invoice, you can report them for tax evasion and undeclared income.
3. Complaint to ANPC (Consumer Protection):
- Where: On the official platform eservicii.anpc.ro.
- Purpose: Only if you dealt with an authorized real estate agency that scammed you with abusive commissions.
Finland: Finnish Police (Poliisi): An official crime report (Rikosilmoitus) is filed online through the e-services service on the official Poliisi website.National Cyber Security Center (Kyberturvallisuuskeskus): For reporting phishing attempts and fraudulent sites.
1. Police (Poliisi):
- Where: File a report online (sähköinen rikosilmoitus) via the official Finnish police website (poliisi.fi) or visit the nearest police station (Poliisilaitos) in person.
- What to bring: Proof of bank transfer (account statement), screenshots of the fake listing, conversation history (WhatsApp, email), and the scammer's contact details.
- Purpose: To investigate the crime of fraud (petos).
2. Consumer Disputes Board (Kuluttajariitalautakunta):
- Where: Online via the official portal (kuluttajariita.fi).
- Purpose: Only if you had a legal contract with a real estate agency or a professional landlord in Finland and there is a dispute regarding money, wrongfully withheld deposits, or breached contract terms.
Spain: Civil Guard and National Police: Reporting is done online through the virtual complaints portal (Denuncias) of the Policía Nacional or to the specialized cybercrime unit Grupo de Delitos Telemáticos (GDT) of the Civil Guard.
1. Police Report (Denuncia ante la Policía):
- Where: At the National Police (Policía Nacional) or Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) (you can file a preliminary report online via the official website, but you must then visit the station to confirm it).
- What to bring: Bank statement showing the transfer, screenshots of the listing, messages exchanged with the fake landlords, and the phone numbers/IBANs they used.
- Purpose: To investigate the crime of fraud (estafa).
2. Consumer Protection Office (Oficina de Consumo / OCU):
- Where: At the local consumer offices (OMIC) in the city where the property is located.
- Purpose: Only if you signed a contract with a legitimate real estate agency and there are disputes regarding unfair fees or non-compliance with contract terms.
Netherlands: Dutch Police (Politie): You can report online on the official website Politie.nl in the section dedicated to internet fraud (Internetoplichting).Fraudehelpdesk: The national anti-fraud centre in the Netherlands that offers free legal support to victims to recover their money.
1. Police Report (Politie):
- Where: At a local police station or online via the official Dutch police portal (politie.nl).
- What to bring: Bank statements showing the payment made, screenshots of the rental listing, and the full communication history with the scammer.
- Purpose: Reporting the crime of fraud or swindling (bedrog / oplichting).
2. Fraud Reporting Platform (Landmeldpunt Fraude / ConsuWijzer):
- Where: Via national consumer protection or financial fraud reporting platforms.
- Purpose: Reporting cyber fraud, misleading listings, and fake companies or real estate agents.
Germany: Digital Police (Onlinewache): Each federal state (Bundesland) has an online police department called Onlinewache. The victim can file a complaint on the specific portal of the state in which the fraud occurred.
1. Police Report (Polizei):
- Where: At the nearest police station (Polizeiwache) or online via the specific federal state's police reporting portal (Online-Strafanzeige).
- What to bring: The bank statement showing the transfer, screenshots of the listing (from portals like ImmoScout24 or Kleinanzeigen), conversation history (WhatsApp, email), and the recipient's contact details or IBAN.
- Purpose: Official investigation into the crime of fraud (Betrug - § 263 StGB).
2. Tenants' Associations (Mieterverein / Deutscher Mieterbund):
- Where: At the local Mieterverein branch in the city where the property is located.
- Purpose: Legal assistance and expert advice if you are dealing with a dubious contract, an abusive rent rate, or fraud regarding the security deposit (Mietkaution).
United Kingdom (UK): Action Fraud: This is the national centre for reporting fraud and cybercrime in the UK. Reports are made online at Action Fraud UK or by phone at 0300 123 2040.
1. Action Fraud (National Fraud Reporting Centre):
- Where: Report online via the official website `actionfraud.police.uk` or by phone.
- What to provide: Details of the payment made, screenshots of the fake property listing, messages or emails exchanged with the scammer, and the bank account used.
- Purpose: The central fraud reporting hub in the UK, which forwards the case to the police (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau).
2. Citizens Advice / Trading Standards:
- Where: Via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
- Purpose: Assistance and reporting if you have been misled by a real estate agency or a landlord violating UK consumer protection and tenant laws.
Austria: Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Police Office): You can report online housing or rental fraud directly to the specialized cybercrime unit by emailing against-cybercrime@bmi.gv.at.Local Police & Prosecutors: Visit your local police station (Kriminalpolizei) or contact the Austrian Public Prosecutor's Office (Staatsanwaltschaft) to file an official criminal complaint.Victim & Consumer Support: You can get free consultation and support via the European unified victim helpline by calling 116 006 from within Austria.
1. Police Report (Polizei):
- Where: At the nearest police station (Polizeiinspektion) or online via the Austrian police's e-services portal.
- What to bring: The bank statement showing the transfer, screenshots of the fake rental listing, conversation history, and the recipient's contact details or IBAN.
- Purpose: Official investigation of the fraud (Betrug).
2. Tenants' Association / Consumer Council (Österreichischer Mieterverband / Arbeiterkammer):
- Where: At the local Mieterverband branch or the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer – AK).
- Purpose: Legal advice and support regarding fake rental contracts, wrongfully withheld security deposits, or deceptive practices by fraudulent landlords or agencies.
Italy: Guardia di Finanza: Call the emergency number 117 or file an online complaint on their official website. This is the financial police responsible for fraud and evasion.
- Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato: Go physically to the nearest local police station to file a criminal complaint (denuncia).
- Procura della Repubblica: File the complaint directly with the local court in the city where the fraud occurred.
1. Police / Carabinieri Report (Denuncia):
- Where: At the nearest Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri station.
- What to bring: A copy of your ID, a bank statement proving payment of the deposit/rent, screenshots of the property listing, and the full conversation history (messages, emails, phone numbers, the IBAN used).
- Purpose: To initiate a criminal investigation for fraud (truffa – Art. 640 of the Penal Code).
2. Consumer Protection Associations (Federconsumatori / Adiconsum):
- Where: At the associations' local offices or online.
- Purpose: Legal assistance and advice regarding disputes with real estate agencies or unfair contract terms.
France: THESEE Platform: The Ministry of the Interior's official online service for reporting online scams. Complaints can be filed through Service-Public France
- Ma Sécurité: For direct assistance and 24/7 chat with a gendarme or police officer, use the Ma Sécurité portal.
- SignalConso: If the fraud involves a legally registered French real estate agency, report the commercial abuse on SignalConso.
1. Filing a complaint with the Police / Gendarmerie (Dépôt de plainte):
- Where: At the nearest police station or Gendarmerie brigade, or online via the official platform for reporting cybercrimes and scams (THESEE on the masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr portal).
- What to bring: Bank statement showing proof of the transfer, screenshots of the fake listing (from sites like LeBonCoin or others), conversation history (emails, messages), and the scammer's contact details or IBAN.
- Purpose: To initiate a criminal investigation for fraud (escroquerie).
2. DGCCRF (Consumer Protection - SignalConso):
- Where: Online via the official platform `signal.conso.gouv.fr`.
- Purpose: To report misleading commercial practices, fake agencies, or fraud related to long-term or short-term rentals.
Sweden: Polisen (Swedish Police): Real estate fraud (bedrägeri) is a serious crime. Non-urgent complaints can be filed online or by phone at the national number 114 14. The official reporting form is on the Polisen Sweden portal.
- Call from Abroad: If the student has not yet arrived in Sweden and has sent the money remotely, they can call the special number: +46 77 114 14 00.
- Konsumentverket: For misleading advertising on Swedish commercial websites, the Swedish Consumer Agency is notified.
1. Police Report (Polisen):
- Where: At a local police station or online via the official Swedish police website (`polisen.se`).
- What to bring: Bank statements showing the transfer, screenshots of the fake rental listing, and the full conversation history with the scammer.
- Purpose: To initiate a criminal investigation for fraud (*bedrägeri*).
2. Tenants' Association (Hyresgästföreningen):
- Where: Directly via their official platform or at a local branch.
- Purpose: Legal advice and support regarding issues such as fake contracts, illegal subletting, or abusive financial demands (andrahandskontrakt).
Denmark: Politi (Danish Police): Any money transfer to a fake account or fictitious owner must be reported quickly. Filing an online criminal complaint is done on the official portal Politi Denmark.
- Telephone Support: For general assistance and guidance from the police, students can call the local number 114.
- Bank Notification: Since Denmark uses integrated banking systems, the first mandatory step after fraud is to contact the bank immediately to block the transaction.
1. Police Report (Politiet):
- Where: At a local police station or online via the official Danish police portal (politiet.dk).
- What to bring: Bank statements showing the transfer or payment made, screenshots of the fake rental listing, and the full history of conversations/messages with the scammer.
- Purpose: To initiate a criminal investigation for fraud or deception (bedrageri).
2. Tenants' Association / Rent Board (Lejernes Landsorganisation / Huslejenævnet):
- Where: At relevant organizations or through local rent boards (Huslejenævnet).
- Purpose: Assistance and dispute resolution regarding illegal contracts, wrongfully withheld security deposits, or unfounded rental charges.
Belgium: If a student falls victim to a real estate scam or comes across a false advertisement in Belgium, here are the official authorities where to file a complaint:
- Local Police (Zone de Police / Politiezone): The criminal complaint (dépôt de plainte / klacht indienen) is filed physically at the nearest police station in the university city in Belgium (e.g. Brussels, Ghent, Leuven). If the student is still abroad, they should contact the station by email/phone.
- Point de Contact Platform (FPS Economy): Commercial fraud, ghost real estate agencies or misleading advertising are reported online on the official portal of the Federal Government: Pointdecontact.belgique.be(https://pointdecontact.belgique.be/) (available in French, Dutch, German and English).
- Meldpunt (for Flanders/Flemish Region): If the fraud involves discrimination or abuse in the student rental market, the case can also be reported to the local housing inspectorates.
Portugal:For students looking for a place to rent in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra or other cities in Portugal and encountering problems:
- Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) & Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR): Real estate fraud (burla imobiliária) is a criminal offense. The complaint can be filed at any PSP or GNR station, or online through the official complaints portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: Queixas Electronicas (https://queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt/).
- Polícia Judiciária (PJ) - Cybercrime Units: If the fraud occurred entirely online (cloned websites, phishing, suspicious bank transfers), the case is forwarded to the cybercrime brigade of the PJ.
- Portal da Queixa / ASAL: If it is a Portuguese real estate agency with proper documents that applies abusive commercial practices, the complaint is made to the Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) or publicly on the consumer reputation platform Portal da Queixa (https://portaldaqueixa.com/).
Poland
1. Polish Police (Policja)
- Action: Go physically to any police station (Komisariat de Policja).
- Procedure: File a criminal complaint for fraud (Zawiadomienie o popełny w szczęścią).
- Translation: If you do not speak Polish, the police are obliged to provide you with a certified translator free of charge.
- Evidence required: Passport, screenshots of the ad and conversations, and bank statement proving the money transfer.
2. CERT Polska (For online fraud / fake websites)
- Action: Report the incident online on the official government website incydent.cert.pl.
- Purpose: Block the cloned website or fake payment page used by the scammer.
3. Your bank (Immediately)
- Action: Call the emergency line of the bank from which you sent the money.
- Purpose: Request to block the transaction or initiate the funds recovery procedure (if the transfer is very recent).
Greece
If you have fallen victim to a rental scam—such as sending an upfront deposit via wire transfer to a fraudulent landlord who disappeared, or discovering a listing used fake property credentials—you must act immediately to freeze your funds and report the crime to the federal authorities.
In Greece, all online financial deceptions and internet-based rental frauds fall under the jurisdiction of the specialized Cyber Crime Division of the Hellenic Police.
The Official Steps to File a Report:
-
Submit a Formal Digital Complaint: You should officially register your fraud case through the centralized Gov.gr Computer Fraud Reporting Portal.
Inside the Government Portal:
-
You will log in using the Taxisnet credentials.
-
You will complete a detailed legal questionnaire explaining what happened, when it occurred, and how the deception was executed.
-
You will attach your digital evidence directly to the portal file.
Once submitted, the digital report is automatically processed and routed to the public prosecutor to initiate a formal criminal investigation. If you suspect your credit card or credentials have been compromised, immediately call your bank's fraud department to initiate a chargeback alongside filing your police report.veritas-advisory-group.com
Lithuania
- Lithuanian Police (Lietuvos policija): This is the main authority for criminal offences and fraud. You can file an official criminal complaint online, in Lithuanian or English, through the ePolicija portal. For immediate emergencies, call the European number 112.
- National Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT): If the dispute is of a contractual nature or involves a licensed real estate agency/accommodation company in Lithuania (not an anonymous scammer), you can file an official complaint on the VVTAT website. The complaint is filed via their online form, usually in Lithuanian.
- European Consumer Centre Lithuania (ECC Lithuania): If you are a resident of another EU country and have been scammed by a real estate company legally registered in Lithuania, you can contact the free assistance provided by ECC Lithuania(http://ecc.lt/en/complaint-form/).
- State Tax Inspectorate (VMI): If the landlord refuses to provide you with a legal contract, does not issue you with receipts or you suspect tax evasion, you can report the case anonymously through their anti-fraud platform VMI - Stop Šešėliui.
In order for the police or authorities to be able to open an investigation, you need to submit as much digital and physical evidence as possible:
- Proof of payment: Bank statements, transfer confirmations (revolut, payment order), receipts or transaction reference codes.
- Conversation history: Full screenshots of text messages, emails or social media conversations (Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram) with the suspect.
- Ad identification data: Link to the fake real estate ad, screenshots of the photos used, and phone numbers or email addresses used by the scammer.
- Documents received: Copies of the alleged rental agreement or any ID document sent by the fraudster (even if they are most likely fake or stolen).
To avoid other scams, use the official systems in Lithuania to verify the validity of an offer:
- Registrų centras (Center of Registers): Always ask the owner or agent for the unique property code (Unikalus numeris). You can check who the real legal owner is directly in the official database at Registrų centras.
- Avoid unsecured advance payments: Never send money for a “reservation” or “viewing deposit” before you have physically seen the apartment and signed a firm contract. Scammers often claim to be out of the country and request quick transfers (such as Western Union or foreign bank accounts).
Estonia
In Estonia, real estate fraud (such as fictitious listings, taking down payments without the owner’s consent, or contracting fraud) is reported directly to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet - PPA).
Here are the exact official channels through which you can file a complaint and the steps you need to follow:
1. Official reporting channels to the PPA
- Online (Recommended Method): Go directly to the official portal [Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet (PPA) - Filing a Report](https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/filing-a-police-report). You can securely authenticate digitally using Smart-ID, Mobile-ID, or Estonian ID-card to fill out the criminal form (Filing a police report).
- By Email: If you do not yet have an Estonian digital authentication tool, you can send a classically signed complaint to the official police email address: ppa@politsei.ee.
- By Phone (Emergency Situations / Support): You can call the police assistance number for non-urgent cases at +372 612 3000 or the national helpline 1247. For major emergencies, use the European number 112.
2. What should your reporting file include?
In order for the Estonian police to quickly open a criminal investigation, your complaint should be as detailed as possible: [7]
- Digital evidence: Link to the cloned/fake real estate ad (from portals like KV.ee or City24.ee) and screenshots of conversations (WhatsApp, Email).
- Bank details: Proof of down payment/deposit (bank statement with the scammer's IBAN).
- Timeline: Exact time, amounts transferred and contact details used by the attacker.
3. Immediate safety actions (Before going to the Police)
- Contact your bank: If you sent the money via a recent bank transfer, immediately call your bank's emergency line to try to block or return the funds through the Recall procedure.
- Check the legitimate owner: To provide additional evidence to the police, you can check who actually owns the property by querying the government database [Estonian e-Land Register](https://investropa.com/blogs/news/estonia-risks-pitfalls), thus avoiding other pitfalls.
Latvia
1. Police Report (Valsts policija):
- Where: At the nearest police station or online via the Latvian state services portal (latvija.lv).
- What to bring/submit: Bank statement showing proof of the transfer, screenshots of the fake real estate listing, and the full history of communication with the scammer.
- Purpose: To initiate a criminal investigation for deception or fraud (krāpšana).
2. Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC):
- Where: Online via the official website (ptac.gov.lv).
- Purpose: To report fraudulent commercial practices involving fake companies or unauthorized real estate agencies.
Czech Republic
1. Policie ČR (Police of the Czech Republic)
- Action: Filing a criminal complaint (*trestní oznámení*). The Czech police will officially investigate the case if actual financial loss has occurred (i.e., the money has been sent).
- Where: In person at any local police station within the Czech Republic. In Prague or Brno, the easiest option is to visit the nearest local police department.
- What to bring: Printed copies of conversations (email, WhatsApp, Facebook), proof of the bank transaction, the link or a screenshot of the fake advertisement, and the scammer's account details. The police will issue an official case registration number.
- Official Link: Information on the Policie České republiky portal.
2. User's Bank (Urgent blocking of funds)
- Action: The student must immediately contact their own bank (e.g., Tatra banka, Slovenská sporiteľňa, Česká spořitelna, KB, etc.) to report the fraudulent transaction.
- Purpose: Within the first few hours following the transfer, the bank may initiate a procedure to return or block the funds before they reach the external accounts of the fraud networks.
3. ČOI (Česká obchodní inspekce – Czech Trade Inspection Authority)
- Action: If the fraud was disguised as a fake "real estate agency" that issued invoices or contracts with fictitious identification details, an official consumer protection complaint should be filed.
- Official Link: Filing complaints via the Česká obchodní inspekce (ČOI) portal.
Slovakia
1. Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic – Police Section (Slovak Police)
- Action: Filing a criminal complaint in person (Oznámenie o skutočnostiach nasvedčujúcich tomu, že bol spáchaný trestný čin).
- Where: At any local police station (*Obvodné oddelenie Policajného zboru*) in Slovakia.
- Required documents: All printed evidence (written correspondence, the signed contract, bank payment orders showing the destination IBAN/BIC codes, and screenshots of the advertisement). The police register the criminal case in the official records.
- Government source: Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic.
2. User's Bank (Interbank emergency procedure)
- Action: Immediately requesting a fraud investigation and payment recall procedure (*Recall payment* / *Fraud investigation*).
- Purpose: If the transfer was recently made via the SEPA or SWIFT network, the issuing bank (e.g., Tatra banka, Slovenská sporiteľňa) collaborates with the receiving bank—under the supervision of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS)—to block the funds before they are withdrawn.
3. Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia - SOI (Slovak Trade Inspection)
- Action: Filing an official report if the fraud was committed by an entity posing as a registered commercial real estate agency.
- Where: Directly via the electronic consumer protection complaint portal.
- Government source: Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia.
Three Mandatory Steps to be followed IMMEDIATELY by the victim:
Regardless of the country, if a student has sent money to a scammer, the order of actions should be as follows:
- Contacting the bank (Chargeback / Recall): The victim should immediately call their bank (or Revolut, Wise, etc.) and request a recall of funds or a chargeback for the fraud. If the money was sent by SEPA bank transfer, there is a short window in which the transaction can be blocked.
- Keeping evidence: Screenshots should be saved immediately with: the WhatsApp/OLX conversation, the ad link, the scammer's phone number, the bank account details where the money was sent and the payment confirmation (PDF).
- Reporting to the host platform: If the ad was on Storia.ro, Idealista or Kamernet,stc. the scammer's account must be reported within the platform to be blocked immediately and prevent further victims.
European Reporting and Student Support
If the scammer is located in another European country than the student, the case becomes a cross-border fraud.
Users of the HubStudentsEurope.com platform can turn to: ECC Net (European Consumer Centre): The ECC Net network offers free legal assistance to EU citizens who encounter problems with cross-border services (including real estate agencies or accommodation platforms from another Member State).
- Europol: For major cyberattacks or organised phishing networks, Europol's official platform provides guidance to national elite units.