The Manitoba RCMP sent a media release to the public on Wednesday following a rental scam that made its way around Portage la Prairie on Monday. 

According to the RCMP, a local realty company contacted officers on February 5 after receiving concerning emails about properties listed for sale on its website. 

The company advised that fraudsters were taking photos and information of the properties listed for sale or rent on the legitimate realty site and listing them as rental units or rental homes on a different fraudulent site. The fraudulent website would then direct unknowing renters to send money in order to secure the rental. Officers are warning the public to be aware of this rental scam. 

Some warning signs to look out for when shopping for a rental: 

  • • the monthly rent is lower than other similar places 
  • • you're asked to leave a deposit without any formal rental agreement or lease in place 
  • • you're asked to send money to someone outside your province or country 
  • • when you ask about the rental, you get an email that sends you to a website asking for personal or financial information 

The RCMP offered some additional tips to avoid being scammed: 

  • • Reach out to local realtors in the area to inquire about the property listed. 
  • • Go to the address and make sure the listing is truthful and accurate. If you are unable to go in person, use the Internet to see actual images of the rental. 
  • • Research the address to ensure it is not a duplicate post. Schedule a showing and confirm that the landlord will be present. 
  • • Request a lease or contract. Review it thoroughly. 
  • • Be sure to know your rights as a tenant. 

“If you've been the victim of a rental scam or another type of fraud, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre,” noted the release 

For more information on current frauds and scams, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.