Rental scams have unfortunately become increasingly common, preying on those in search of housing and leaving them vulnerable to financial loss and identity theft. At Not A Dream Realty, we’re committed to empowering renters with knowledge and resources to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. Here are some essential tips to help you and your clients avoid rental scams:
Common Scams and Red Flags to Watch For
- Advertising Errors and Inconsistencies:
- No photos, limited photos, or old photos
- Spelling mistakes in listings
- Duplicate or double listings on the same website
- Fake phone numbers (non-local numbers) or email addresses
- Showing Snags:
- Difficulty booking a viewing with the lister
- Lister pushing for virtual viewings only or refusing to meet in person
- Frequent cancellations and rebookings
- Not able to access the property on the day of the viewing, no shows to scheduled viewings
- Deposits and Rent Collection:
- Requesting a deposit, rent, or an application fee before viewing the property or signing a lease agreement
- Personal Information Requests:
- Providing personal information before viewing (outside of contact information, cell phone number, or email address)
- Requests for banking information or SIN numbers before viewing
Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams
- View the Property in Person:
- Arrange a viewing in person with the landlord or property manager. Most scammers will refuse to meet in person, which should raise a red flag.
- If an in-person viewing isn’t possible, consider having a trusted friend or family member conduct the viewing on your behalf.
- Ask the Hard Questions:
- Ask specific questions to the property manager or landlord to spot inconsistencies or hesitations in their answers.
- Questions such as whether they are a licensed property manager or owner, and how long they’ve managed the property can help uncover potential scams.
- Do Your Homework:
- Research the property management company or private owner. Verify their legitimacy by checking for brokerage names, websites, and contact information in the advertisement.
- If working with a property manager, confirm their license status with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) website.
- For private owners, verify their ownership of the property by checking the title through Spatial Information System (SPIN2) or a local registry agency.
- Report Any Scams:
- If you come across a suspected scam listing, report it to the listing platform’s website to prevent others from falling victim.
- Inform local authorities and report the matter to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if you or someone you know has fallen victim to a rental scam.
Protect Yourself and Others
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to rental scams. At Not A Dream Realty, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your real estate experience is safe, secure, and free from fraudulent activity. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
