Police issue warning about rental scams
Posted Mar 9, 2021 06:15:00 PM.
NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
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The Waterloo Regional Police Service is issuing a warning to the public after several individuals have fallen victim to rental scams.
On March 7, 2021, Waterloo Regional Police received a report of a fraud related to a rental scam.
The victim responded to an ad posted online for a rental unit in Kitchener. The suspect provided excuses as to why the victim could not see the inside of the unit but advised the victim that they could drive by the apartment as verification. The suspect then requested first and last month's rent for the unit as a security deposit. The victim sent the money via e-transfer, before realizing that it was a scam.
Before forwarding any money, please consider:
- Scheduling a viewing of the property and confirm that the property exists
- Be suspicious if asked to transfer money electronically or wire money out of the country
- Know what reasonable rental rates are
- Review your contract thoroughly and have a friend or family member view it as well
- Be suspicious if there appears to be urgency or pressure to get the deal done quickly
- Be suspicious if they are avoiding your questions
- If the deal appears too good to be true, it likely is
Waterloo Regional Police encourage renters to limit the amount of personal information or banking information that you share in any transaction. If the post or rental property is a scam, the fraudster may use your information for identity fraud purposes.
If you have been a victim of a rental scam, contact the ad publisher, file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and make a report with your local Police Service.
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