The Financial and Consumer Services Commission, as well as local police, are warning house hunters about a rental scam in the province.
Fraudsters are posting ads online for properties they do not own, using information and pictures stolen from actual listings.
Scammers are hoping to get money from victims by then collecting damage deposits.
The scam has been active in the province for at least a year, with a recent influx of social media complaints about the issue.
Some red flags on ads include typos, pressure to act quickly, and not being able to see the property in person.
If you are suspicious of an ad, the FCSC suggests doing a reverse image search to see if the images are shared on other websites.
Other tips include:
- Never send money to someone you have never met, or only met online.
- Before signing a rental agreement and paying a damage deposit, insist on seeing the property. If you are moving from out of province, ask someone you know locally to look at the property for you.
- If there is a For Sale sign on the property, contact the listing realtor to inquire if the owner is also seeking to rent the property.
- If you are entering a rent-to-own situation, seek legal advice before signing a contract.
- When purchasing or negotiating on sites such as Kijiji, it is always buyer beware. When using sites such as Realtor, you are dealing with licensed agents. Learn more about how licensing can protect you.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by, or the victim of, a rental fraud scam, contact the police.
