RCMP warn about online rental scams

Aug 16, 2019 | 3:48 PM

The Kelowna RCMP are issuing a warning to all Okanagan residents following a rise in online rental scams.

The scammers typically create fake online classified ads for rentals that are often below the average rent for the area and portray themselves as landlords who are out of town or out of the country.

But the fraudsters usually mention a full refund if the rental unit does not meet the consumer’s satisfaction.

According to the RCMP, victims often feel pressured to send money through E-transfer or a bank wire for the first and last month’s rent or for a security deposit for keys that never arrive.

“The victims are suddenly unable to communicate with the con artists who promptly remove the fictitious online ads, and disable their email address,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP said.

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“In a recent Kelowna case the would-be victim trusted their instincts and attended the advertised property in person. In doing so, they not only discovered that the home wasn’t available for rent, but was listed for sale, and saved themselves $2,000,” O’Donaghey said.

BC RCMP offer the following tips to avoid falling victim to rental scams:

physically go to the property and book a viewing, when searching for rentals;
conduct your own open source queries to ensure the advertisement isn’t a duplicate;
do not transfer funds to unknown individuals;
trust your instincts, if it doesn’t seem right, don’t do it;
consult with a friend or family member first

by Tiffany Goodwein

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