Waterloo Region Police Warn of Rental Scams in University District

Waterloo Region, Ontario - Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after receiving reports of rental fraud that occurred in August 2023. 

In one instance, on August 14, 2023, police were contacted by an individual who attempted to rent an apartment within the University District of Waterloo. 

The suspect convinced the victim to send a deposit to the suspect to hold the apartment until the victim could view it in person. 

The victim sent an e-transfer to the suspect and was subsequently cut off from contact and was never able to view the apartment or rent it. 

The victim later learned that the rental property was a scam and reported the incident to police.  

The investigation is ongoing. 

Before forwarding any money, please consider the following: 

  • Schedule a viewing of the property and confirm that the property exists
  • Be suspicious if asked to transfer money electronically or wire money out of the country
  • Know what reasonable rental rates are
  • Review your contract thoroughly and have a friend or family member view it as well
  • Be suspicious if there appears to be urgency or pressure to get the deal done quickly 
  • Be suspicious if they are avoiding your questions 
  • If the deal appears too good to be true, it likely is

Waterloo Regional Police encourage renters to limit the amount of personal information or banking information they share in any transaction. 

If the post or rental property is a scam, the fraudster may use your information for identity fraud purposes.

If you have been a rental scam victim, contact the ad publisher, file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and make a report with your local Police Service. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. 

Occ: 23-233641 (915) 

Media Inquiries:
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca 

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