Two Burnaby residents are warning others to be extra cautious after uncovering a rental scam in which someone offers a place to be rented that they don’t have permission to rent out.
The residents told the NOW that they had recently bought an apartment in Metrotown after renting in the same building for several years.
After the deal went through, they found out the exact same unit – which has two bedrooms, a den and two-and-a-half baths - was being listed for rent on Craigslist for $2,500 a month.
The couple said a friend who is trying to rent in the same area to be close to them tipped them off after seeing the place up for rent.
“My buddy did the open house with us when we were looking and noticed this place in the photo looked exactly the same,” said Nick, who didn’t want his last name used. “He sent us the listing and there it was, the exact same place. We sent a message to this scammer telling them we were on to them and the ad has disappeared now. I don’t know if they were really going to try and get someone to send them money to see the place or if they were looking for them to send in a rental application with person information. All I know is it’s pretty dirty.”
Here are some tips about residential rental scams.
“You believe the owner or landlord is showing you the property you are interested in renting,” says the Vancouver Police Department. “Or maybe you live elsewhere and are unable to view the property in person before agreeing to rent it. You pay a deposit, but when you show up to move in, the property was never available for rent and you are out your deposit. If the price is too good to be true, or they ask for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired, that should be a red flag.”
Tips
- don't send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person
- ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down their licence plate if they arrive by car
- search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinbox44.
