RCMP are warning Vancouver Island residents about a rental scam after one person lost nearly $4,000.
Police said the victim responded to an online rental ad in Nanaimo that appeared legitimate. The person advertising the property provided a rental agreement and land title information.
The victim sent money through online banking, believing it was a deposit. The scam was discovered when the person tried to view the property and met the homeowner, who confirmed the person they had been communicating with was not authorized to rent out the home.
Police said information about the same property has been used in multiple scam attempts.
“Finding affordable housing can be stressful and scammers often take advantage of people who feel pressured to secure a place to live quickly,” said Nanaimo RCMP operations officer Inspector Donovan Tait. “Taking a few extra steps to verify a rental listing and the identity of the landlord can help prevent a significant financial loss.”
Police advise residents not to send a deposit before viewing a property in person. They also recommend checking for duplicate listings and being cautious of landlords who claim to be out of town or unable to meet.
