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By Veronica Beltran

rental fraud

RCMP warn public of recent fraudulent activity involving fake rental ads

Oct 23, 2020 | 10:31 AM

DAWSON CREEK— RCMP in Dawson Creek are investigating a local fraud involving fake rental ads online.

Dawson Creek RCMP say that an unknown suspect has been taking photos of local residences, which are listed for sale on local realty sites, and is using those photos to create fake rental ads on sites such as Kijiji or Craigslist. Victims are providing a damage deposit through online transfer of funds on a home which is actually not available for rent.

When the victims arrive at the home to move in they find themselves not being greeted by anyone, discovering that they have been a victim of fraud.

Dawson Creek RCMP are asking members of the public to be aware of rental listings on local buy and sell websites and pay attention to the photographs being added to the listings.

“In many instances you may find that the photos added have a watermark imprint on the face of the photograph.”—Release by Dawson Creek RCMP

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A watermark may mean that the photo was taken from another website. Police say that in these instances a person should not pay a damage deposit or first month’s rent without seeing the unit or meeting the landlord in person.

“Your safety is our concern, which is why there is always plenty of parking available on the street near the Dawson Creek RCMP Detachment on both 102nd avenue and 13th street, should you wish to conduct this meeting beside the RCMP Detachment,” reads the release.

If you have been a victim of this type of fraud mounties ask that you report it to RCMP in your jurisdiction.