The Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) has teamed up with the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA), and the Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan (BBB) to warn the public of several online rental scams that are occurring within the province.
Cole Zawislak is the SRA’s Director of Public Affairs and Communications and says that scammers are targeting consumers through third-party websites, Facebook, Kijiji, and even Craigslist.
“They’re taking home photos from reputable housing websites and how we’re involved is they’re taking photos directly from our MLS platform,” says Zawislak. “In some cases, there have been active homes that are listed or recently sold, and those photos are being put out for an ad for a vacant property. Folks in a couple of cases have sent a security deposit and first month’s rent.”
Once the scam is complete and the money has been received, the individual will cut off communication with the person and will vanish.
Some scammers are even taking it to the next level and impersonating a landlord.
“In some cases, we have seen a locksmith being sent to the property and they’re using a fake tenant agreement to gain access to the property. We get to a spot where someone is taking possession of their new home and in a couple of cases, there has been a renter inside a home that has been sold. It’s gotten serious in a few cases and some unfortunate events,” adds Zawislak.
To date, Zawislak and the Saskatchewan Realtors Association have not received any reports that this online rental scam has been done in Moose Jaw, as for the most part it has been happening in the larger urban centres in Saskatchewan.
It’s no surprise to Zawislak that this type of scam is occurring, as the rental market in Saskatchewan is in high demand, which in some cases has led to victims being subject to this fraudulent activity.
“We make sure that the public is aware this is going on. It’s no secret that the rental market is tight right now. I think folks see these ads and they are often high in demand, and I think people are desperate. Some of these properties aren’t real and aren’t actual listings for rental properties.”
In an effort to steer people away from falling victim to this rental scam, the SRA has outlined some ways people can be vigilant when searching online.
“Never send money to someone posing as a landlord or rental housing provider until you’ve viewed the property and signed a tenancy agreement. In almost all of these cases, the money has changed hands without the folks physically viewing the property.”
Always ask to see the property in person, as most of the time, the scammer will disconnect, or pull the ad and move on to their next victim.
A legitimate rental housing provider will be transparent about the application and rental process, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Those that have been subject to this scam, have been directed to the respective police agency in their community to investigate the matter.