As post-secondary students prepare to return to the area for the new school year, Waterloo Regional Police Service is warning of rental scams.
They already received some reports of rental frauds this month.
Last week, one victim tried to rent an apartment in Waterloo’s university district.
They were told to send a deposit in order to hold the apartment until they were able to come and see it in person.
“The victim sent an e-transfer to the suspect and was subsequently cut off from contact and was never able to view the apartment or rent it,” WRPS said in a news release.
“The victim later learned that the rental property was a scam and reported the incident to police.”
Police are still investigating the incident.
They say it’s a good idea for renters to limit the amount of personal and banking details they share in any transaction because it happens to be a scam, the suspect could use the information for identity fraud.
Police recommend considering the following before sending any cash:
- Schedule 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
If you have been a rental scam victim, contact the ad publisher, file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and make a report with local police.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.