RCMP in Kelowna have noted a rise in the number of fraud cases reported to police involving online rental scams. The rise has prompted Mounties to issue a warning to residents across the Okanagan Valley.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud website, scammers create fraudulent classified ads, often through online platforms, for rentals available in desirable locations, often for prices below the average asking to ensure a “quick sale.” The fraudsters typically portray themselves as landlords currently out of the area, often overseas, and usually offer a full refund in place of a viewing of the property in advance, if the rental unit does not meet the consumer’s satisfaction.
Victims will typically feel pressured to conduct an urgent email money transfer, or bank wire for the first and last months rent, or a security deposit in exchange for the keys, which are promised by express post but never received.
“The victims are suddenly unable to communicate with the con artists who promptly remove the fictitious online ads, and disable their email address,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP. “Okanagan residents should be wary that fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers who are searching the market for short-term rentals.”
“In a recent Kelowna case the would be victim trusted their instincts and attended the advertised property in person. In doing so, they not only discovered that the home wasn’t available for rent, but was listed for sale, and saved themselves $2,000,” adds Cpl. O’Donaghey.
BC RCMP offer the following tips to avoid falling victim to rental scams: