WATCH ABOVE: Halifax police are warning people that it’s the time of year when scam artists are on the prowl, taking advantage of unsuspecting renters. Global’s Dave Squires reports.
HALIFAX – Halifax Regional Police are warning potential renters about a new apartment rental scam involving fraudulent ads being posted on classified ad websites.
In this latest case, scammers find legitimate online ads and then repost the information, including photos and apartment descriptions, in new ads that include the scammers’ contact information.
Police believe that the scammers are attempting to find interested renters who will wire them deposits before viewing the apartments.
Police say they want to get the message to new students coming to the province. They say scam artists try to take advantage of prospective tenants, especially those who are in a time crunch.
“This time of year with the influx of students we are reminding citizens to be cautious of online classified ad websites, due to fraudulent activity,” said Constable Stacey Opalka
Dalhousie student Gabrielle Bertrand lives off campus. She says she knows there are risks when looking for an apartment, especially when it comes to rental scams.
“It definitely can be easy for people to take advantage of students because it might be their first apartment,” said Bertrand.
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Dalhousie security services officer Jake MacIsaac says rental scams are common. He says every year university students fall victims and they expect the same this year.
“We don’t have any yet this year but it is still early. We could get some in September, it’s not uncommon. Most folks find out when they get here and the apartment is no longer held for them,” said MacIsaac.
To avoid falling victim, police recommend the following tips:
– If you do look for an apartment online, be sure to contact the landlord directly by phone and arrange to see the apartment in person.
– Exercise extreme caution before wiring deposits or rent payments. Instant money transfers are very popular for online scams because the funds are available instantly, difficult to trace and accessible worldwide.
– Use other means when looking for an apartment, such as signs posted for rent on the building or university social media platforms.
If you do fall victim, police say contact them immediately.
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