Apartment Rental Scam

In this scam the fraudster responds to Internet advertisements for available rental apartments. The suspect contacts the potential victim by email only and never makes him or herself available to be contacted by any other means.

The suspect will advise they are currently out of the country, or province, but that they will arrange for a cheque or bank draft to be sent as a deposit to secure the rental.

The cheque/draft will be for an amount in excess of the agreed upon rent and the suspect will direct the victim to send the excess money, via a wire service, to a third party to cover travel expenses to Waterloo Region. This wire is typically to be sent overseas, often to the United Kingdom or a West African county such as Nigeria or the Republic of Benin.

Some time after depositing the cheque and sending the wire the victim will be notified by their bank that the cheque they deposited was worthless and the victim will be responsible to the bank for the money.

It’s been noted this type of fraud becomes more prevalent near the end of a term at university or college when students are attempting to sublet their apartments.

Police suggest being very cautious when dealing with someone you only have contact with via the Internet.  If you are considering renting to someone who sends advance payment, ensure that their payment is good with your bank.  Police also caution against wiring excess funds to anyone.