Trish Middleton of Remax in Carman is warning the public to be aware of a scam involving rental properties. “Scammers are seeing houses that are for sale, taking photos and info from the real estate ads, and advertising them on social media as rental units,” says Middleton.
The scam unfolds when suspects claim that the property is in high demand, urging potential renters to send a deposit without viewing the property. In many cases, suspects ask for personal information and an e-transfer without meeting in person. Once they receive the information and money, the suspects typically end all communication with the renter.
“So, when people call them about the ad, the so-called landlord will say, ‘I’ll meet you there tomorrow, but you’ll have to give me a deposit first.’ People are losing money when they get to the house and see that I’ve got a for-sale sign on the property. They phone me, confused that it’s listed, since they just rented the place,” Middleton explains.
After receiving another call from a local victim, Middleton began to wonder if the public had been properly informed of this hoax. “It’s really sad. Often this happens to people who are on a tight budget. It works because people can’t believe they could find a place like this with such low rent. This individual was so excited to have found an affordable place, and I had to tell her no.”
As a member of the Carman Wellness Committee, Middleton feels she must make people aware. “I’ve reported it to the RCMP. I want people to be leery. If you see a place advertised for rent on social media, don’t just send money. Check it out first, make sure it’s legitimate. Meet with the owner and find out the details before giving anyone any money.”
Middleton says this scam has happened to more than one of her listed properties. “I would imagine I’m not the only realtor in the region who is seeing this happen. People need to know these scammers are out there, and that they need to be very cautious. I’ve told homeowners to report it to the police when it happens to them.”
How to Avoid Being Scammed
According to the Competition Bureau of Canada, a typical rental scam involves fraudsters enticing potential renters with an attractive listing in a sought-after area with great amenities and a low price. Ads are posted on popular sites like Kijiji or Facebook, and scammers may use photos from old listings, houses for sale, or short-term rental sites like Airbnb to make the listing look authentic. They pose as the landlord and may claim to be abroad, unable to meet in person to show the property.
After a few emails or text messages, they start asking for money. First, they request a security deposit, then the first month’s rent, and sometimes another month’s rent in exchange for a discount. They often try to rush the decision by saying others are also interested in the property. Don’t give in – it could be a scam.
Warning Signs of Rental Scams:
• The monthly rent is lower than similar places
• You’re asked to leave a deposit without any formal rental agreement or lease in place
• You’re asked to send money to someone outside the country
• When you ask about the apartment, you get an email directing you to a website requesting personal or financial information
• Ads show only pictures of the outside of the property or pictures that don’t match the actual property or address
How to Protect Yourself:
• Go to the address and verify that the listing is truthful and accurate. If unable to visit in person, use the Internet to see actual images of the rental.
• Research the address to ensure it’s not a duplicate post. Conduct a reverse image search to see if the photos were used elsewhere.
• Schedule a showing and confirm that the landlord will be present.
• If renting in a new development, contact the builder to confirm ownership.
• Request a lease or contract and review it thoroughly.
• Know your rights as a tenant by consulting your provincial or territorial department or ministry of housing.
If you’ve been the victim of a rental scam or another type of fraud, or if you have information about this type of scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, the RCMP, or your local police. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential rental scams.
