The Nelson Police Department is warning of an “old but effective” scam.
They say they’ve received multiple reports of someone trying to take advantage of the current rental crunch by posting ads for rental properties that don’t exist.
The fraudsters are using local buy and sell websites/forums asking would-be renters to forward money upfront without seeing the property.
In some instances, victims are being asked to provide a detailed application form asking for personal details such as social insurance number, driver’s license number and other personal details which could later be used for identity theft.
“Please be vigilant when researching a property by ensuring the rental property does in fact exist and the person you are speaking with is the owner, landlord or property manager,” Cst. Alain Therrien
For more information about renting a property in BC please go online to the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC website.