West Kelowna RCMP warning residents of common rental scam

It seems fraudsters are attempting to take advantage of Kelowna’s desperate rental market.

RCMP are warning residents after a West Kelowna resident was fortunate to avoid being caught up in a rental scam.

The scammer allegedly copied images and detailed rental information from online advertisements associated to real Central Okanagan properties and then created a fictitious ad on an alternate site with altered contact information.

The scammer’s ad is often detailed with a fictitious back story outlining the reasons for the property being rented out. Typically once a fraud victim shows any interest in the property, the scammer emails a rental application.

“In this particular case the fraudster later contacted the victim by phone and advised that their application was accepted,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “While pressuring the would-be renter to secure the deal, an e-transfer deposit of approximately $1,000 is requested and a promise is made to promptly courier the premises’ keys, which of course never show up.”

RCMP offer the following tips:

• Physically go to the property and book a viewing, when searching for rentals;
• Conduct your own open source queries to ensure the advertisement isn’t a duplicate;
• Do not transfer funds to unknown individuals;
• Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t seem right, don’t do it!;
• Consult with a friend or family member first;

For more information on this scam and others, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca