The Gananoque Police Service is urging residents to be cautious after receiving reports of a suspected online rental scam targeting people searching for housing.
Police say a couple recently reported finding rental listings through a Facebook account using the name “Low Income Rent.” The account directed potential renters to what appeared to be a rental application, which requested a $75 application fee payable by e-transfer or gift card.
Officers are reminding the public to be wary of rental advertisements that require payment before a property has been viewed or a lease has been signed. Other warning signs include requests for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or e-transfer, rental prices that seem too good to be true, and requests for personal or financial information through unfamiliar links.
Police encourage anyone looking for a rental to independently verify both the property and the person advertising it before sending money or personal information.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam is urged to contact the Gananoque Police Service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
(By: Tim Baltz)
