NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wish to remind area residents about frauds involving online postings for rental properties.
In the most recent case, as it is customary with most, the listing was found online where a house was for rent in the Town of Collingwood. The potential renter communicated with the alleged owner but also did their own search online and found that the house in question was for sale on numerous reputable realtor websites.
Police were contacted and notified the listing agent which then confirmed that the house in question is for sale however is not for rent. Thankfully in this case, no money was ever sent to the fraudster.
Here are a few tips to avoid being falling prey to such a scam:
- The fraudster will want you to give a deposit immediately or pay in full quickly giving you all kinds of excuses to instill a sense of urgency to send them money.
- They cannot meet you in person and the viewing of the property will be taking place as a 'walking tour' outside the residence, never once gaining access to the house.
- If possible, try to deal with a local reputable rental businesses which you can find via your social circle or online search with associated reviews.
- If the price is too good to be true…..it probably is.
- And also do your own research like this person did, using an online search engine to find out if the potential rental might be a duplicate of a real estate listing.
For more anti-fraud tips visit www.opp.ca or www.antifraudcentre.ca.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre at 1‐888‐495‐8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca; you can also contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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