Renter lucky to avoid scam

Fraudsters using real homes with fake ads; demand deposits

Okanagan police are warning residents to watch out for scammers advertising fake rental properties.

In late September, West Kelowna RCMP received a report of suspected rental fraud being committed using local online classified ads.

The scammer allegedly copied images and detailed rental information from online advertisements associated with real properties in the Central Okanagan and created fictitious ads on another site with altered contact information.

Such ads are often detailed with fake back stories outlining the reasons for the properties being rented out, said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. Typically, once a fraud victim shows any interest in the property, the scammer emails out a rental application, he said.

“In this particular case, the fraudster later contacted the victim by phone and advised that their application was accepted,” said O’Donaghey.

While pressuring the prospective renter to secure the deal, the scammer requested an e-transfer of about $1,000 and promised to courier the keys to the renter. The West Kelowna resident in this case avoided the scam by erring on the side of caution and seeking the opinion of a friend, said O’Donaghey.

To avoid similar scams, police advise going to the property and booking a viewing when searching for rentals, conducting searches to ensure the ad is not a duplicate and not transferring funds to unknown people. See antifraudcentre.ca for details.