29 march 2018
Montreal, March 29, 2018 – March is Fraud Prevention Month. March is also when many people start looking for an apartment. Some wrongdoers use this opportunity to scam future tenants, posting ads for apartments available for rent they do not own or simply do not exist. The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is therefore raising the public's awareness of this type of scam.
In 2017, 67 apartment rental fraud cases were reported to the SPVM. On average, the scammers required that their victims provide one or two months' rent as a deposit, ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the apartment.
There are various scenarios used by the scammers, but the following are the most common ones:
No matter the pretence, money is always requested. When they agree to pay the requested sum, tenants could be facing a potential scam. Although well-meaning owners may ask for a security deposit that is reimbursable on signing the lease, the Régie du logement is very clear on this matter: “A landlord cannot ask for a deposit, whether it is for the keys or for furniture.”
Clues and prevention
Good to know
Classified sites post tips for preventing fraud and provide information on how to report wrongdoers using their platform.
Anyone who may have been a victim of fraud is asked to go to their neighbourhood police station or to call 911 to file an official complaint.
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Useful links
Source:
Media Relations Section
Communications Department
Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM)
514-280-2015