Omemee Pigeon eFlyer: Beware Apartment Rental Scam!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Beware Apartment Rental Scam!

Peterborough Police Service Warns About Apartment Rental Scam!

Peterborough Police Service is warning residents about an apartment rental scam circulating in our area.
What is the apartment rental scam?

Kijiji Apartment Ad Scam

The apartment rental scam involves a man claiming to be living in London, England and trying to rent out his apartment located in Peterborough, Ontario. The man is advertising the apartment on Kijiji and asking that people wire him the rent money. The man claims that the transfer of keys and rent will be processed by a company. The man then takes the person’s money for first and last month’s rent and no apartment is provided.
If anyone has any information regarding this scam please contact the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS: ·
Apartment rental scam involves consumers contacting fraudsters through online classified advertising sites where a fraudulent posting of an apartment for rent is being listed. Once contact is made complainants are advised to send money upfront to secure the apartment before it is seen. · Suspects often ask for additional funds after the first payment is made. Most victims reported sending money via Western Union or Money Gram, but also some payments have been made using bank to bank wire transfers, email money transfers or through internet payment services such as Paypal. WARNING SIGNS ·
Being offered a great deal on an apartment in a prime location through online classified ads. · Seller advised that they are currently out of the country and need funds to be sent before the consumer can see the apartment.

Consumer advised to send funds to a foreign country.
Use of Money Service Business (e.g. Western Union or MoneyGram) to send funds.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Do not give any money until you’ve met the landlord in person (or someone involved in the rental of that property).
Go and see the apartment or rental property in person. Don’t meet off site. Meet at the rental property.
Ask the landlord for references. It’s not just the landlord who can ask for references, do your due diligence on the property and the person claiming to be renting the property.
Knock on the door to other apartments in the building and speak to other tenants. Ask questions.
Get things in writing.
If you suspect a possible fraud never hesitate to call police to report or for more information. (From the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Peterborough Police Service)

What scams have you heard of that re operating in our area?
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