5 rental deposit scams reported in less than 2 months in Richmond, B.C., RCMP say

Police in Richmond are warning the public to be on alert for rental deposit scams.

Mounties in Richmond are warning the public to be on guard for rental deposit scams after receiving five reports from victims in less than two months.

The five cases have been reported since the start of July, Richmond RCMP said in a news release Friday. Individual losses have ranged from $400 to $2,600.

“In most cases, the victims found an online advertisement on a social media platform, contacted the alleged owner and were asked to pay a deposit to secure the property via e-transfer,” the release reads.

After they transferred the funds, the victims discovered that the properties advertised were not actually available for rent.

“We realize the rental market is highly competitive, especially around this time of year,” said Cpl. Denise Kam, of the Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit, in the release.

“Scammers often prey on people’s emotions to create a sense of urgency. The public is reminded to exercise caution and verify ownership before paying damage or rental deposits.”

Mounties offered several tips for prospective renters, including that they should verify the listing on multiple platforms and conduct reverse image searches to identify images that have been reused across multiple listings.

Apartment seekers should also attempt to confirm the building’s ownership or property manager and never send money before physically viewing a property, police said.

“If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your police of jurisdiction,” the release concludes.