Vancouver police warn about rent con artist

Vancouver police are hunting for a man they say has been conning people into renting property he doesn’t own.

The scammer placed online ads offering a Vancouver property for rent and posed as the property owner, walking them through the prospective accommodations.

The would-be renters signed rental agreements and handed over a damage deposit and their first month’s rent. When it came time for the renters to move in, the property was not available and the scammer had moved on.

The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Michael Burley of Ontario.

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He’s been charged with four counts of fraud in relation to the alleged scam.

Burley is described as white, 6’2” tall and weighing 170 pounds.

Anyone who knows where he is asked to call 9-1-1.

Tips For Avoiding Rental Scams

• If it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is

• Get valid identification from the person offering the property for rent

• Check out who you’re dealing with online

• Meet your prospective landlord or property manager in person before deciding to rent an apartment or property

• Never use a wire transfer service when sending money

• Never rent an apartment “sight unseen”

• Be cautious If they don’t ask for an application or permission to check your credit

• Always check bbb.org to see if the “company” has any complaints.
* Tips courtesy of the Better Business Bureau