Windsor Police cruiser. Blackburn News file photo.Windsor Police cruiser. Blackburn News file photo.
Windsor

Don't Fall For Rental Scam

Windsor police are warning city residents about a property rental scam.

Police have recently received several complaints indicating that the apartment rental scam is again active in Windsor. Investigators say in some cases the victims forward funds to the offender.

"In one case the victim paid a total of $1,700 for security and down payment. In another case they paid $500 as a security deposit," police say.

Windsor police say the offenders advertise a property or apartment for rent, usually over the internet posing as landlords, but have no legitimate connection to the subject property.

"The offender often times will inform a prospective customer that they are out of the country and not available to meet in person," authorities say. "They usually pressure the customer to provide funds or personal banking information immediately."

Tenants seeking rental properties are reminded to be vigilant, do some research and recognize the warning signs before sending money or personal information to someone you have not met.

Police recommend contacting the landlord directly and arranging to see the apartment in person or request to see a lease or contract and review it thoroughly.

Conduct an online search to see if the apartment was previously for sale or for rent and don't send money to strangers. Money transfers are very popular with online scams because they are difficult to trace and can instantly end up anywhere in the world.

For more information on the rental scam visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/fraud-escroquerie/rent-location-eng.htm.

If you suspect that you were a target of fraud and you would like to report the incident use antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/reportincident-signalerincident/index-eng.htm.

You can also call Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4330 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.

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