A rental scam involving classified ads or trusted vacation websites that target long and short-term rental availabilities is active right now.
Platforms like Kijiji, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are among the sites that can be exploited.
Ontario Provincial Police constable Karen German explains how the swindle works.
German says the applicant is asked to send a deposit either through a money service, e-transfer or bank wire with the assurance keys will be sent.
Next – first and last month’s rent are requested and occasionally, money for incidentals.
The applicant is assured of a full refund if not satisfied.
German says once the money is received, the ads are deleted, the fraudster vanishes, keys are not sent and the victim learns the rental does not exist.
Police says post secondary students heading to college or university away from home should be extra cautious when looking for a place to live.
