Rental scams on the rise as post-secondary students look for places to stay: WRPS

As Waterloo Region prepares to welcome a new set of students, CTV’s Alexandra Holyk has a warning about a prevalent scam.

With the new school year a month away, and some students already moving into the area, the Waterloo Regional Police Service is reminding students to be aware of possible rental scams.

Since the beginning of July, WRPS received about 10 reports of alleged rental scams.

Conestoga College student Corban Kleinveld said he was a victim to one last August.

“I was really feeling that I had been duped,” he said. “I was desperate to get my own place.”

After scouring the internet, Kleinveld said he and found a Kitchener basement apartment available for rent on Kijiji that was pet-friendly and within his price range.

He wasn’t able to see the place in person, but the photos shared were enough to convince him. He claims he sent the person listing the unit $2,700 - first and last month’s rent, to secure the place.

“They didn’t exist,” Kleinveld admitted.

He reported the incident to police who informed him that he wasn’t alone.

According to WRPS, scammers often use stolen images from legitimate rental websites, adverstise below market rental prices to attract interest and create a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims to send a deposit quickly.

“And in doing so, they send e-transfer first, usually first and last month’s rent, usually a couple thousand dollars in most cases, without even viewing or seeing [the unit],” Sgt. Jason Van Kalsbeek said.

Police believe that those new to Canada and students are a common target audience for scammers.

“Coming from other countries and that they aren’t familiar with the processes,” said Van Kalsbeek.

Police offered some tips to prevent people from becoming a victim of a rental scam:

• Use trusted rental platforms.
• Avoid verbal or text only agreements. Ensure everything is documented and you also have a copy.
• Be aware of landlords who refuse to meet in person.
• Do not provide payment before signing a rental agreement.
• When signing the lease agreement, do not provide confidential information, such as a Social Insurance Number and bank information, to avoid identity theft.
• Be suspicious if there appears to be urgency or pressure to get the deal done quickly.

Post-secondary institutions recommend all students check with their schools for accommodation options first.

“Making sure that you’re looking at those places that your institutions offer you to look at first as well, before going out into that private market,” said Tracey Csordas, manager of Conestoga College Student Housing Programs.

As for Kleinveld, he’s still waiting for his money to be recovered.

“Don’t let your ego get in the way because one of the reasons I sent them money was because my family kept on telling me not to. And then I got hurt,” he said.

If you believe you may have gotten scammed, police suggest you come forward and file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Police said reporting possible fake rental listings through the website you found them on can help others from falling for them in the future.