Portage la Prairie RCMP cautions about a home rental scam ongoing in Portage la Prairie.

Police say scammers have been taking advantage of renters looking for an affordable place to live by using details and photographs of local houses for sale and posting them on various websites as “Houses for Rent.”

Mounties say the scammer will encourage those interested in the rental opportunity to make a down payment or security deposit to ensure their success at renting the property.

“It's important to remember that making a payment of any kind without seeing who is receiving that payment carries an inherent risk,” the RCMP release reads. “Scammers prey on people's good nature and belief that they are getting a great deal. If you take a moment to think about moment who might be taking your money, you might save yourself some heartache.”

“If you’ve been victimized by these scammers, please know that you’re not alone, and that the police want to help if they can.”

The Portage Real Estate Board expressed concern over rental scam reports, urging people to follow the RCMP's advice and use caution.

“We realize the rental market is a bit tight and there is competition for rental, but we encourage people to let common sense rule the day,” says Real Estate Board president Warren Neufeld. “Whenever possible, make sure you view the property and meet the people face-to-face that you're dealing with.”

Portage Real Estate Board president Warren Neufeld. (file photo)

“If there's any inkling that something doesn't feel right, do that extra little bit of checking,” continues Neufeld. “Anytime it involves real estate we want to make sure people are well looked after and not being taken advantage of.”

Mounties encourage anyone victimized to come forward with details of your incident, to help catch those responsible.

“We understand this can be an embarrassing thing,” says RCMP Const. Sean O'Keefe. “But it can go a long way to helping us catch these people if we can. In some circumstances we're not able to identify these scammers.”

“But your information might be the missing piece of the puzzle we need.”