Scammers target Quebec tenants using e-transfer

The Quebec Landlords Association says scammers are posing as new building owners and asking tenants to send rent by e-transfer to fake email addresses.

Landlords are warning of a new scam targeting Quebec tenants.

Some people may receive an email saying their building is under new management and that rent is overdue, with a new email for Interac e-transfers.

The tenants then lose their rent money and are left reeling when their real landlord reaches out.

Martin Messier, president of the Quebec Landlord Association, says nearly every landlord he’s spoken with lately has flagged the scam.

“Unfortunately, some tenants have sent money to scammers and at the end of the day they end up losing money,” he said.

Messier says any tenant receiving similar messages should communicate with their landlord and flag fraudulent emails to authorities.

He adds that tenants and landlords should set up a direct bank authorization, which he says is easier and safer than relying on e-transfers.

With files from CTV News Montreal’s Angela MacKenzie