Rental And Renting Scams Made Public
By: Shane Harder
The rental sector has been hit hard by this new wave of attacks. This popular scam involves all home renters in Canada. More specifically I am referring to the Nigerian/West-African apartment rental scam. You’re probably aware that for years now, businesses, learning institutions, and government departments have been receiving e-mails from senders posing as Nigerian/West-African government or business officials offering to share large sums of money.
This has now evolved into the housing sector. You may receive an email suggesting that you can rent a particular unit. You will also be instructed to pay half of one month’s rent up front. You will be given very specific instructions as to how and when to pay this amount. Once the amount has been paid, your emails will go unanswered. Often times the sender of these emails will claim to be a Christian working over sea’s in Africa.
Do not become a victim. If you have received an email please forward it to your local police department. These letters are usually a variation of the following:
• The sender is working with a Christian charitable organization.
• The landlord is in need of an “urgent” tenant and guarantee’s your tenancy.
• The sender recently intercepted or has been named beneficiary of the proceeds from a death and is in desperate need of renting out the unit.
• The Canadian government is not allowing him or her through customs and is in desperate need of rental income.
• To complete the transaction, they ask you to provide your bank name and address, your telephone and fax numbers, the name of your beneficiary, and, of course, your bank account numbers.
• The landlord promises same day delivery or move in early!
Remember to always do your homework and meet your future landlord in person. Do not send or give money to anyone over the internet without first communicating in person. Often times these letters will be in broken English and easy to spot. But always meet your future landlord in person and inspect the rental property prior to paying a damage deposit. You can always use the assistance of a licensed property manager working at real estate offices in your local area.
Keeping the public aware of important BC News - Shane And Sheleana Harder
Rental And Renting Scams Made Public
