Police share details of rental fraud case in Kitchener with 21 victims

Details of a rental fraud investigation in Kitchener are coming to light, as police say 21 victims have been taken for a collective $63,000.

In a statement out Tuesday night, Waterloo Regional Police said the investigation began on Aug. 30, when officers came out to the parking lot of a building on Chandler Drive near Mowat Boulevard.

They found several people there, all expecting to move into the same apartment unit that turned out to be not available for occupancy.

Police said the victims had responded to a social media post advertising the rental.

And they said most of the 21 victims of the alleged rental fraud were students who were new to the region, and many had already signed a rental agreement and paid their first and last month’s rent.

The victims lost a combined $63,000.

Police are still investigating and say nothing about charges at this time.

They have issued a list of ways to keep yourself safe from rental scams:

• Avoid verbal agreements. Make sure everything is documented, and you have a copy.

• Schedule a viewing of the property and confirm that the property exists.

• Use only bank cheques, money orders, or credit cards after a legitimate rental agreement is made.

• Never send Interac e-transfers before receiving a service or product or securing rental accommodation unless dealing with a reputable online service that provides loss protection guarantees.

• When signing the lease agreement, do not provide confidential information, such as a Social Insurance Number and bank information, to avoid identity theft.

• Use online search options to do your research on the property.

• Be suspicious if there appears to be urgency or pressure to get the deal done quickly.