August, the season for Online Rental Scams in Victoria
Photo by: Daquella manera
Come August and Police in Victoria are warning those looking to rent premises here, to watch out for online rental scams. This is the month that brings more than 15,000 outsiders, mainly university students, scouring the city looking for a place to rent. This, when coupled with the low vacancy rate prevalent in the area, can make people be desperate enough to let down their guard, as some fraudsters have figured out.
Scammers make their presence felt during this season by posting ads in free online classified sites like Craigslist and UsedVictoria. They would lift details and photographs of apartments from genuine rental ads and then post it under a fictitious name in these sites.
Those responding to these ads are given a familiar story. The house owners have just moved outside the country and would now like to rent out their premises here. Since they have nobody looking after the property, they would not be able to physically show the premises. Those interested are asked to send a deposit of around $2000 to the fraudsters following which the keys are promised to be couriered to them.
Most people respond considering that the price quoted would be at least $500 less than the usual market price.
Police in Victoria are warning renters to watch out for such scams this season. Renters are advised against sending any money, when involved in such transactions, without first physically checking out the place and getting a written contract in their hands.
Source: Canada.com
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