The Edmonton Police Service has highlighted a troubling rise in Edmonton home rental scams, emphasizing the growing importance of rental awareness. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting both unsuspecting tenants and landlords.

There are primarily two types of rental scams to be aware of:

Fraudulent listings for properties that are either non-existent, already rented, or significantly misrepresented, and scams targeting property owners by posing as potential tenants to defraud them.

Stay Informed:

To combat these scams, it’s crucial for both renters and landlords to stay informed about the common tactics used by fraudsters. This includes requests for money before viewing the property, listings with significantly lower than average rental prices, and high-pressure tactics urging immediate decisions. The Edmonton Police Service offers advice on recognizing and avoiding these scams, such as verifying property ownership, never sending money before a contract is signed, and conducting in-person property viewings whenever possible.

Trust Your Gut:

If possible, engage with previous tenants of the landlord or company to gather insights. Perform online research on the property to check for its current occupants or duplicate rental advertisements. Visiting the property personally before any financial transactions is highly recommended to ensure its authenticity. Be cautious, as scammers often exploit individuals urgently seeking housing, using emotional vulnerability to their advantage. Unusually low rental prices in major cities like Edmonton are typically bait used by fraudsters. Compare the property with nearby listings to assess standard rental rates in the area. Avoid sharing your social security number merely for application purposes. Engage with landlords who are overseas only after confirming their identity and property ownership. Prioritize local, face-to-face transactions. Exercise caution if a landlord prefers email communication exclusively, is abroad, or refuses phone conversations. Before opening email attachments from landlords, use anti-virus software to check for malware, which may redirect you to fraudulent websites. Remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and if a listing or process appears too good to be true, it’s prudent to steer clear.

Protect your finances:

Scammers typically request upfront payments, such as security deposits or rent in advance. If you’re uncertain about the payment’s legitimacy, refrain from sending it. Avoid wire transfers or e-transfers, as these funds can be irretrievably lost. Opt for credit card payments, when possible, for additional security. Be especially cautious with requests to wire funds via Western Union or MoneyGram for international transactions, as these are favored by scammers for their immediacy and anonymity. If the landlord evades your queries or pressures, you into making a hasty payment decision, it’s advisable to walk away. An excessively high security deposit or upfront fee may indicate a scam.

Awareness and education are key defenses against rental scams. By staying informed and cautious, renters and landlords can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. As rental scams continue to evolve, the community’s collective vigilance and preparedness will be vital in safeguarding the integrity of the rental market in Edmonton and beyond.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BECOME A VICTIM IN A RENTAL SCAM

If you did send money or share financial information, report it to the financial institution used.

Gather all information pertaining to the situation, including the scammer’s profile name, how you made contact, social media screenshots, emails, etc. and contact your local police. Call the Edmonton City Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377.

You can also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre -1-888-495-8501.

Use a REALTOR®:

If you come across an ad that feels off, contact your REALTOR® to check active listings. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who can safely rent or advertise your rental. 

If you have concerns about a rental or are considering renting out your property, let’s talk.

🌐 Sources

·      cantiro.ca – Increase your Rental Awareness

·      edmontonpolice.ca – Rental Scams

·      edmontonpolice.ca – Online Scams

·      reddit.com/r/Edmonton – PSA about a rental scam in Edmonton

·      globalnews.ca – Scam cheats Edmonton renters for 4 years: ‘I just don’t …

·      liv.rent – The 4 most common rental scams to avoid & the latest …