If you’re looking for a home in the city, don’t pay rent or a damage deposit before you see the property, warns the St. Albert RCMP.
Officers have heard a number of complaints over the past month from people falling victim to a rental property scam. The scammers ask potential renters to secure the place before they see it by paying the damage deposit, and sometimes the first month’s rent, through an online money transfer. They will also send an email with pictures of the property and an Alberta Rental Agreement.
Once they get the money, the scammer arranges to hand over the keys at the property’s address. But when the renter shows up, they find out that the property is not for rent and does not match the photos.
The RCMP ask people not to forward money for rental properties or any other items purchased online without looking at the items first, unless they deal with a reputable business or website.
To report a fraud you can contact the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). The RCMP also ask people to report any fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
