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Rental fraud and scams are real and can affect our students personal, financial, and academic wellness.
Cases of rental fraud can increase at the end of semesters, when students are subletting or planning their accommodations for the next year.
Related information:
Follow these tips to avoid being a victim of rental scams and be sure to use the information below if you have.
General things to consider:
There are two main types of rental fraud scams: fraudulent renters looking for property to rent and fraudulent properties for rent.
Fraudulent renters are people who claim to want to rent an apartment or room but actually don't intend to live there. They will send you a fraudulent overpayment (too much money) to cover the rent, then ask you to send the extra money back to them.
Fraudulent apartments or rooms for rent are often advertised in preferred locations, such as close to the university. The person advertising the property may request that you fill out a questionnaire, which asks for your personal information and banking information. Be cautious about giving out your personal and banking information; it can be used for identity fraud.
Once you accept the offer to rent the property, the person will ask you to send them rent money, often first and last month's rent. Then, when you arrive at the designated time and location to pick up your keys, you will discover that the property doesn't actually exist, or that you have been misled and you don't have a place to live.
If you have been a victim of a rental scam, gather all documents and communications between the individual and yourself and be sure to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, your financial banking service, and the platform that you encountered the scam for assistance.
If you have any questions about a rental property or renter, and you aren't sure if it's fraudulent, connect with the following areas:
Off-Campus Housing
Laurier International
Special Constable Service
You can reach Special Constable Service at 519.885.3333 or by internal phone at x3333.Police Services