Elk Valley RCMP is releasing tips to help the public recognize rental scams, following an incident where prospective Fernie renters had their money taken fraudulently.
RCMP was advised of the rental scam on Sept. 17 from multiple people who were looking to move to the area together. They found a rental property on social media, only to have the property manager discontinue communication after taking their deposit.
The property manager stopped communicating with the would-be renters and deleted the social media listing as soon as they sent the money. They contacted their bank about the scam and were asked to get in touch with the police.
They told police that the manager had provided photos of the property and an agreement, but that they could not see the property in person, as they were not from the area.
Sgt. Svend Nielsen said it is difficult for police to investigate cases like these, as suspects and accounts are often run by people living internationally, so the best way of keeping yourself safe is to know how to recognize a scam online.
Here are six tips the public can use to help protect themselves:
1. Do a thorough search of listings online, and cross check potential rentals with other listings. A search of rental images can sometimes reveal whether photos have been reused. Checking to see if a rental is posted on multiple sites can show inconsistencies regarding price or location.
2. Information that the poster gives you should be straightforward. If they cannot provide basic details about the rental, like the address or monthly rent, be suspicious.
3. Observe how the poster behaves during the screening process. Is arranging a viewing difficult? Do they ask too much personal information from you?
4. Pay attention to the method they use to request payment. Scammers will often be pushy about receiving money in advance before you sign a lease, or ask for an unusual deposit method.
5. Contact a local rental property manager or real estate company to help point you to valid listings.
6. Research rental fraud and find more tips on how to avoid it online.
Contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233, if you are looking for advice or support regarding a similar event.
