The Lethbridge Police Service is warning the public of a rental scam. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Police warning public of rental scam

Dec 14, 2023 | 3:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is warning the public of a rental scam.

Between August and December 2023, LPS has received multiple reports of a property rental scam involving victims who posted on a Facebook group called “Pet Friendly Homes for Rent in Lethbridge”.

The victims were subsequently contacted privately, and during the exchange of emails, the ‘landlord’ claimed to be out of town and was unable to show the property, but provided a fake listing.

The “landlord” then asked for proof of employment, valid identification and references, and once they received it, asked for a damage deposit and/or first month’s rent be sent via e-transfer. The victims reported that contact would stop between the two parties, and the rental agreements were found to be fraudulent.

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LPS is informing the public of red flags to look out for when they are looking to rent, including:

• The prospective landlord wants to communicate only via email
• They claim they are currently out of town, live in another city or overseas
• They refuse to talk on the phone or meet face-to-face
• They will not show the property in person – no matter the reason they give
• They want you to move in immediately without seeing the property
• The rent is too good to be true or below market value
• The listing is vague, showing only outside photos
• Request a damage deposit or first month’s rent without a formal rental agreement, especially if it’s through electronic transfer

Police recommend that anyone looking to rent ask to see the property, research the property by looking up the address, and avoid e-transfers, among other steps.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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