Prospective Renters: Verify The Agent and Listing Before Paying a deposit
July 8, 2022
Prospective residents are encouraged to exercise caution when entering rental agreements. A common fraud involves a criminal posing as an agent of a property owner, misleading prospective renters into paying a deposit for a unit they are not entitled to rent. TSCC 2510 is not involved in advertising rentals or showing units, but encourages prospective renters to approach rental agreements with caution.
For reference, a Toronto Police Service notice has been included below:
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a condominium rental scam.
It is reported that:
rental advertisements are being placed on Kijiji.ca
the units advertised for rent are located at 12 York Street
the suspect and the victim correspond via telephone and/or via text to discuss the property
the suspect meets with the victim at the rental location
the victim is shown a unit and the suspect acts as an agent of the property owner
the unit is actually being rented by the suspect as a short-term rental, which allows them access to the property (keys to the unit and fob to the building)
the victim signs what they believe to be a valid rental agreement and then sends a deposit via an electronic money transfer or gives the suspect cash
the suspect gives the victim keys to the unit
the next day, the cleaner arrives to clean the unit and informs the victim that they have to leave
once the money transfer is received, the suspect no longer returns calls or messages and blocks the victim's phone number
the suspect uses a variety of names when advertising as a rental agent or owner of the property
Police would like to remind the public:
be mindful before signing any rental agreement and/or sending deposits
rent through legitimate agents that can be thoroughly checked
confirm with the building property owner that the unit is available for long-term rent
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.