36 Common Rental Scams in Canada You Should Avoid

Have you ever wondered why that perfect rental listing seems too good to be true? In today’s competitive housing market, distinguishing legitimate rentals from scams has become increasingly challenging.

The types of rental scams in Canada have evolved beyond simple fake listings.

From sophisticated identity theft schemes to elaborate payment frauds, criminals are targeting renters like never before.

Here’s what every renter needs to know to stay safe.

Scam Category	Risk Level	Most Common In	Average Loss
Online Listing	High	Toronto/Vancouver	$2,300
Financial	High	Major Cities	$3,500
Identity Theft	Severe	Ontario	$4,200
In-Person	Medium	Urban Areas	$1,800
Documentation	Medium	All Regions	$900

What are The Different Types of Rental Scams Available in Canada

1. Phantom Rental Scam

• Location Prevalence: Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver, Montreal
• Reported Losses: $3.2 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: First-time renters, students, newcomers to Canada

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters create fake rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate properties. They list units at prices 20-30% below market value to attract attention.

When contacted, they claim they can’t show the property but pressure potential renters for immediate deposits.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Prices significantly below market value
• Unable to view property in person
• High-pressure tactics for quick payment
• Landlord claims to be out of country or unavailable

Prevention Tips:

• Never send money without viewing the property
• Research average rental prices in the area
• Verify property ownership through land registry
• Meet landlords in person at the property

Additional Info:

This scam peaks during August-September when students seek housing.

Vancouver sees increased activity during winter months when remote viewings are more common.

Speaking of remote dealings, you’ll want to watch out for this next scam that often targets long-distance renters

2. Hijacked Listing Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
• Reported Losses: $1.8 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Working professionals, families

How the Scam Works:

Scammers copy legitimate real estate listings and repost them with altered contact information.

They maintain the original photos and property details but change the price and landlord contact details.

Multiple versions of the same property appear across different platforms.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Same property listed at different prices
• Multiple contact persons for one property
• Listing appears on several platforms with varying details
• Professional photos but unprofessional communication

Prevention Tips:

• Cross-reference listings across multiple sites
• Contact property management companies directly
• Use reverse image search to find original listings
• Request proof of property ownership

Additional Notes:

Most prevalent in areas with high rental turnover. Activity increases during peak moving seasons (July-August) in Quebec due to the province’s traditional moving day.

While duplicate listings are concerning, watch out for this next scam that’s becoming increasingly common in the digital age…

3. Bitcoin Payment Scheme

• Location Prevalence: Vancouver, Waterloo, Toronto tech hubs
• Reported Losses: $2.1 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Tech-savvy professionals, international tenants

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters advertise rental properties offering “special cryptocurrency discounts.” They claim crypto payments provide better security and faster processing.

Once cryptocurrency is transferred, there’s no way to reverse the transaction.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Exclusive crypto payment requirements
• Promises of significant discounts for crypto payments
• Pressure to complete transaction quickly
• Claims about “blockchain-secured” rental contracts

Prevention Tips:

• Only use traditional payment methods
• Avoid cryptocurrency transactions for rentals
• Insist on standard lease agreements
• Work with established property management companies

Additional Notes:

This scam is particularly active in tech-hub cities and areas with high concentrations of cryptocurrency users. Incidents spike during cryptocurrency bull markets.

As technology evolves, so do scammers’ methods. Here’s another sophisticated scheme targeting vulnerable renters…

4. Identity Theft Application Scam

• Location Prevalence: Ontario’s major cities (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton)
• Reported Losses: $4.2 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Newcomers to Canada, job relocators

How the Scam Works:

The scammer poses as a thorough landlord requiring extensive personal documentation.

They collect sensitive information through fake rental applications. This includes SIN numbers, bank details, employment information, and copies of identification.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Requests for SIN before lease signing
• Excessive personal documentation requirements
• Rushed application process
• No property management company affiliation

Prevention Tips:

• Only provide SIN after lease signing
• Use secure application platforms
• Verify landlord credentials
• Redact sensitive info on documents

Additional Notes:

Most active during peak rental seasons (June-September). Higher incident rates reported in areas with large immigrant populations.

The next scam shows how fraudsters use urgency to their advantage…

5. Rental Deposit Double-Booking Scam

• Location Prevalence: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary
• Reported Losses: $1.7 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Urban professionals, students in competitive markets

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters collect multiple deposits for the same rental unit from different prospective tenants.

They show the same property to multiple groups, claiming each has secured the rental.

After collecting several deposits, they disappear with the funds.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Rushed viewing schedules
• Pressure to pay deposit immediately
• No formal application process
• Unwillingness to provide references

Prevention Tips:

• Get all agreements in writing
• Use secure payment methods
• Request proof of property management
• Verify landlord’s legal right to rent

Additional Notes:

Incidents spike in areas with vacancy rates below 1%. Most common during August-September student rush and corporate relocation periods.

Don’t let pressure tactics fool you. Here’s another common scheme…

6. Utility Setup Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia
• Reported Losses: $890,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: First-time renters, international students

How the Scam Works:

Scammers claim special “landlord rates” for utility services and demand upfront payment.

They insist on handling utility setup themselves, charging excessive fees for connections that never happen.

Often targets properties where utilities should be included.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Demands for utility payments before move-in
• Claims of special discount rates
• Refusal to let tenants contact utilities directly
• Cash-only utility payment requests

Prevention Tips:

• Contact utility companies directly
• Verify included utilities in lease
• Never pay utilities to landlord unless specified in lease
• Keep all payment receipts

Additional Notes:

Most prevalent during winter months when heating costs are a major concern. Higher activity in regions with extreme seasonal temperature variations.

Let’s look at another deceptive practice that’s becoming more common…

7. Rental Price Escalation Scam

• Location Prevalence: Vancouver, Toronto, major urban centers
• Reported Losses: $2.3 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Desperate renters in competitive markets

How the Scam Works:

After advertising a property at an attractive price, scammers suddenly claim “multiple offers” have driven up the price.

They pressure potential tenants to increase their offer to “secure” the property. The original advertised price was intentionally low to attract victims.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Sudden price increases after initial contact
• Claims of multiple competing offers
• Pressure to decide quickly
• Required “bid” submissions

Prevention Tips:

• Get all price agreements in writing
• Walk away from sudden price changes
• Research local rental laws
• Report false advertising

Additional Notes:

Most common in cities with vacancy rates under 2%. Increases during peak rental seasons.

Watch out for this next sophisticated scheme…

8. Unauthorized Property Agent Scam

• Location Prevalence: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
• Reported Losses: $1.9 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Busy professionals, out-of-town renters

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters pose as authorized property managers for buildings they don’t represent.

They gain access to vacant units through various means and conduct unauthorized showings.

After collecting deposits and first month’s rent, they vanish.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Reluctance to provide business credentials
• No office location or legitimate company info
• Unusual viewing times or access methods
• Pressure to pay before verification

Prevention Tips:

• Verify agent credentials with property management
• Check real estate license numbers
• Meet at official property management office
• Use licensed real estate professionals

Additional Notes:

Particularly active in buildings with multiple vacant units. Increases during major corporate relocation periods.

Here’s another tricky situation many renters face…

9. Lease Takeover Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Near universities in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
• Reported Losses: $1.5 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Students, young professionals

How the Scam Works:

Scammers claim they need to transfer their lease urgently due to relocation or emergency.

They request a takeover fee plus security deposit upfront. In reality, they have no connection to the property and no lease exists.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Urgency to complete the takeover quickly
• Unable to provide current lease document
• No property management verification possible
• Requests for fees beyond standard deposits

Prevention Tips:

• Verify lease with property management directly
• Meet current tenant at the property
• Get written approval from landlord
• Never pay takeover fees without documentation

Additional Notes:

Peaks during academic term transitions. Higher frequency in areas with student housing shortages.

Moving on to another deceptive tactic…

10. Empty Property Scam

• Location Prevalence: Suburban areas across Canada
• Reported Losses: $2.7 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Families, long-term renters

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters use vacant properties for unauthorized viewings. They either break in or claim temporary access rights.

After conducting tours and collecting deposits from multiple victims, they disappear with the money.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Limited access to property areas
• Unusual viewing arrangements
• No keys or proper access methods
• Property appears clearly vacant or abandoned

Prevention Tips:

• Verify property ownership records
• Request proper documentation
• Check landlord references
• Confirm legal right to rent

Additional Notes:

More common in areas with high foreclosure rates or seasonal properties.

Let’s examine another common scheme…

11. Subletting Documentation Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
• Reported Losses: $1.4 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: International students, temporary workers

How the Scam Works:

Scammers create fake subletting agreements for properties they don’t occupy. They forge documents showing they’re the primary tenant.

After collecting payments and deposits from multiple sub-letters, they vanish.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• No direct contact with original landlord
• Suspicious or poorly drafted documents
• Unwilling to show original lease
• Pressure to pay before verification

Prevention Tips:

• Get original landlord’s written approval
• Verify primary tenant’s lease
• Use official subletting agreements
• Keep copies of all documentation

Additional Notes:

Most active during summer months when student sublets are common. Higher risk in areas with strict rental policies.

12. Professional Reference Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Major cities across Canada
• Reported Losses: $980,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Newcomers to Canada, first-time renters

How the Scam Works:

Scammers offer to provide fake professional references or credit histories for a fee. They claim this guarantees rental approval.

After collecting payment, they either disappear or provide worthless references that lead to rental application rejection.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Offers to “guarantee” rental approval
• Requests payment for reference services
• Provides contact info for fake references
• Claims special relationships with landlords

Prevention Tips:

• Never pay for rental references
• Use legitimate credit check services
• Provide authentic employment details
• Build genuine rental history

Additional Notes:

Increases during periods of low vacancy rates when competition for rentals is high.

Moving on to an increasingly common digital threat…

13. Virtual Tour Deception

• Location Prevalence: Major urban centers, especially GTA
• Reported Losses: $2.1 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Remote workers, relocating professionals

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters create sophisticated virtual tours using stolen photos or manipulated videos. They target remote renters who can’t view properties in person.

After collecting deposits for these non-existent or misrepresented properties, they become unreachable.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Only virtual tours available
• Poor quality or inconsistent footage
• Refusal to arrange live video walkthrough
• Generic responses about property details

Prevention Tips:

• Request live video tours
• Verify property address exists
• Use local contact for in-person viewing
• Never rent sight-unseen

Additional Notes:

Surge in cases during pandemic continues. Higher risk in hot rental markets where quick decisions are common.

14. Application Fee Stacking

• Location Prevalence: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary
• Reported Losses: $875,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Multiple applicants per property

How the Scam Works:

Scammers collect application fees from numerous potential tenants for the same property.

They create artificial competition and claim each applicant needs “priority processing fees.” The property may not exist or be available for rent.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Excessive application fees
• Multiple processing charges
• No clear selection criteria
• Vague timeline for approval

Prevention Tips:

• Verify standard application procedures
• Check local rental regulations
• Limit application fee amounts
• Get receipts for all payments

Additional Notes:

Most common in areas with rental shortages. Peaks during high-demand seasons.

Here’s another concerning trend…

15. Furnished Rental Switch

• Location Prevalence: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
• Reported Losses: $1.6 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: International students, corporate relocations

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters advertise fully furnished units with high-quality photos. Upon move-in, tenants discover missing or lower-quality furniture.

Sometimes the unit is completely empty. The scammer claims items are “on order” or blames delivery delays.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• No detailed furniture inventory list
• Vague descriptions of included items
• Unable to verify current furnishings
• Reluctance to include furniture details in lease

Prevention Tips:

• Request current photos with timestamps
• Get itemized furniture list in writing
• Include furniture condition in lease
• Document all promised furnishings

Additional Notes:

Most common near universities and in corporate housing areas. Increases during September and January student intakes.

16. Renovation Bait-and-Switch

• Location Prevalence: All major Canadian cities
• Reported Losses: $1.3 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Young professionals, families

How the Scam Works:

Scammers show properties “under renovation” and collect deposits with promises of upgrades. They claim renovations will be complete by move-in date.

Upon arrival, renters find unfinished or non-existent improvements.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• No specific renovation timeline
• Vague improvement promises
• Unable to show similar completed units
• No contractor information provided

Prevention Tips:

• Get renovation details in writing
• Include completion dates in lease
• Request contractor credentials
• Take photos of current condition

Additional Notes:

Peaks during spring renovation season. Higher risk in older buildings undergoing updates.

17. Security Deposit Insurance Scam

• Location Prevalence: British Columbia, Ontario major cities
• Reported Losses: $1.2 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: First-time renters, newcomers

How the Scam Works:

Scammers claim tenants must purchase special “security deposit insurance” or “rental bonds” above standard deposits.

They insist this additional coverage is legally required or offers special protections, then pocket these illegal fees.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Requests for insurance beyond standard deposit
• Claims of mandatory special coverage
• Unusual payment methods for “insurance”
• No documentation from legitimate insurers

Prevention Tips:

• Know local rental deposit laws
• Only pay legal security deposits
• Request receipts for all payments
• Report illegal deposit requests

Additional Notes:

Increases during peak rental seasons. More prevalent in areas with high rental turnover.

18. Fake Property Management Company

• Location Prevalence: Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver, Calgary
• Reported Losses: $2.8 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Working professionals, families

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters create sophisticated fake property management company websites and profiles.

They list multiple properties and operate like legitimate businesses, but disappear after collecting deposits and first month’s rent from multiple victims.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Recently created company websites
• No physical office location
• Limited online presence or reviews
• Professional-looking but vague content

Prevention Tips:

• Verify company registration
• Visit physical office locations
• Check business license numbers
• Research company history

Additional Notes:

Most active in areas with high rental demand. Increases during corporate relocation periods.

19. Airbnb Conversion Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Tourist areas in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal
• Reported Losses: $1.9 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Long-term renters seeking furnished units

How the Scam Works:

Scammers advertise Airbnb properties as converting to long-term rentals at attractive rates.

They collect deposits for future long-term leases but continue short-term rentals or disappear with funds.

Properties are often still active on short-term rental platforms.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Property still listed on short-term sites
• No formal lease documentation
• Unusual payment arrangements
• Reluctance to remove short-term listings

Prevention Tips:

• Verify property ownership
• Get long-term lease in writing
• Check short-term rental platforms
• Document all communications

Additional Notes:

Peaks during tourist off-seasons. Higher risk in vacation property areas.

20. Rent-to-Own Scam

• Location Prevalence: Suburban areas across Canada
• Reported Losses: $3.4 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Aspiring homeowners, credit-challenged renters

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters offer fake rent-to-own programs requiring large upfront fees or “option payments.”

They claim these payments will apply toward future purchase but disappear after collecting funds. Properties are often not actually for sale.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Large upfront option fees
• Unclear purchase terms
• No property ownership verification
• Pressure to start payments quickly

Prevention Tips:

• Use legal representation
• Verify property ownership
• Get all terms in writing
• Research legitimate rent-to-own programs

Additional Notes:

Most common in areas with rising property values. Increases during housing market peaks.

21. Student Housing Prepayment Scam

• Location Prevalence: University cities (Kingston, Waterloo, Halifax)
• Reported Losses: $2.2 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: International students, out-of-province students

How the Scam Works:

Scammers target students planning to attend Canadian universities, requesting full semester or year payments upfront.

They claim to offer “student-exclusive” housing near campus, often using university logos or names without authorization.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Demands for full-year payment upfront
• Unauthorized use of university branding
• No connection to official student housing
• Communications only through personal email

Prevention Tips:

• Verify through university housing office
• Pay monthly rather than full-year
• Check property’s distance from campus
• Use official university housing resources

Additional Notes:

Highest activity during June-August before fall semester. Secondary peak in November-December.

22. Maintenance Fee Fraud

• Location Prevalence: All major Canadian cities
• Reported Losses: $980,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: New renters, non-native English speakers

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters demand payment for non-existent maintenance services or emergency repairs.

They claim these are mandatory fees beyond rent, often targeting newer tenants unfamiliar with local rental laws.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Unexpected maintenance charges
• Demands for cash payment
• No service documentation
• Pressure for immediate payment

Prevention Tips:

• Review lease maintenance terms
• Verify charges with property management
• Keep maintenance request records
• Know tenant rights regarding repairs

Additional Notes:

Increases during extreme weather events and seasonal changes. More common in older buildings.

23. Key Deposit Inflation Scam

• Location Prevalence: Ontario urban centers, Quebec cities
• Reported Losses: $750,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Young renters, students

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters charge excessive key deposits far beyond replacement costs, often demanding separate deposits for building fobs, mailbox keys, and unit keys.

They either never return deposits or claim keys were “damaged” to keep funds.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Key deposits exceeding $100 per key
• Multiple separate key charges
• No written key deposit policy
• Unclear return conditions

Prevention Tips:

• Know legal key deposit limits
• Get deposit terms in writing
• Document key condition
• Keep all deposit receipts

Additional Notes:Most active during summer moving season. Higher incident rates in secured buildings with multiple access points.

24. Parking Space Allocation Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Downtown areas of major cities
• Reported Losses: $670,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Urban professionals, car owners

How the Scam Works:

Scammers rent out parking spaces they don’t own or control, sometimes selling the same spot to multiple tenants.

They often claim to represent building management and collect advance payments for “premium” spots.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• No parking space registration
• Unofficial parking agreements
• Multiple tenants claiming same spot
• Cash-only parking fees

Prevention Tips:

• Verify parking rights with management
• Get spot number in lease
• Document parking assignment
• Keep parking permit records

Additional Notes:

Peaks in winter months when indoor parking is premium. Common in buildings with limited parking.

25. Pet Deposit Exploitation

• Location Prevalence: All major Canadian cities
• Reported Losses: $890,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Pet owners, especially in pet-restricted buildings

How the Scam Works:

Scammers charge illegal or excessive pet deposits, claiming special “pet insurance” or monthly “pet rent” requirements.

They often promise pet-friendly accommodations in non-pet buildings, then disappear with deposits.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Monthly pet fees beyond legal limits
• Unauthorized pet permission claims
• No written pet policy
• Excessive cleaning deposits

Prevention Tips:

• Know local pet rental laws
• Verify building pet policies
• Get pet agreements in writing
• Document pet-related charges

Additional Notes:

Increases during peak moving seasons. More prevalent in areas with limited pet-friendly housing.

26. Amenity Access Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Luxury buildings in Toronto, Vancouver
• Reported Losses: $560,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Luxury renters, fitness enthusiasts

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters advertise access to premium amenities (gym, pool, party room) that don’t exist or aren’t included.

They charge extra fees for “premium access packages” to facilities that are either under construction or unavailable.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Unclear amenity access terms
• Extra fees for basic facilities
• No amenity tour available
• Vague completion dates

Prevention Tips:

• Tour all advertised amenities
• Include access rights in lease
• Verify facility operating hours
• Document promised features

Additional Notes:

Common in new developments and luxury buildings. Peaks during pre-leasing periods.

27. Utility Transfer Scheme

• Location Prevalence: Ontario, British Columbia metro areas
• Reported Losses: $980,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: First-time renters, students

How the Scam Works:

Scammers claim tenants must pay special “utility transfer fees” or “connection deposits” directly to them.

They insist these are mandatory setup charges but pocket the money instead of setting up actual utility services.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Demands for utility payments to landlord
• Unusual setup fee amounts
• No utility company documentation
• Cash-only utility deposits

Prevention Tips:

• Contact utility companies directly
• Verify standard connection fees
• Get receipts for all payments
• Document utility responsibilities

Additional Notes:

Most active during summer moving season. Higher risk in buildings without separate utility meters.

28. Rental Insurance Fraud

• Location Prevalence: All Canadian provinces
• Reported Losses: $1.1 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: New renters, international residents

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters pose as insurance agents offering mandatory rental insurance at inflated rates.

They create fake policies or collect premiums for non-existent coverage, leaving tenants unprotected.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Pressure to use specific insurance provider
• Unusually low premium rates
• No insurance company verification
• Limited policy documentation

Prevention Tips:

• Choose own insurance provider
• Verify insurance company credentials
• Read policy documents carefully
• Keep premium payment records

Additional Notes:

Increases during natural disaster seasons. More common in areas with recent insurance claims.

29. Building Access Card Scam

• Location Prevalence: High-rise buildings in major cities
• Reported Losses: $430,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Apartment dwellers, secure building residents

How the Scam Works:

Scammers charge excessive fees for building access cards or fobs, claiming they’re “smart technology” or “premium security” devices.

They either provide non-functioning cards or disappear after collecting security deposits.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Unusually high access card fees
• Multiple security device charges
• No building management verification
• Restricted access explanations

Prevention Tips:

• Verify access card costs with management
• Get written access card policies
• Test cards before payment
• Keep all security device receipts

Additional Notes:

Common in buildings with electronic security systems. Peaks during mass move-in periods.

30. Storage Space Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Urban centers across Canada
• Reported Losses: $780,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Downsizing renters, students

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters rent out non-existent or unauthorized storage spaces in buildings.

They collect upfront payments for “premium” storage units, often selling the same space to multiple tenants.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• No official storage assignment
• Unable to view space immediately
• Excessive storage fees
• Shared access arrangements

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect storage unit personally
• Get storage rights in writing
• Verify with building management
• Document storage unit condition

Additional Notes:

Higher frequency in buildings with limited storage options. Increases during seasonal transitions.

31. The Out-of-Country Landlord Scam

• Location Prevalence: University cities, major urban centers
• Reported Losses: $2.1 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Students, newcomers to Canada

How the Scam Works

Scammers claim to be landlords working or living abroad, unable to show the property in person.

They offer attractive rental rates but require immediate deposits via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, often using stolen property photos.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Cannot meet in person
• International wire transfer requests
• Below-market rental rates
• Urgent deposit demands

Prevention Tips:

• Insist on in-person viewing
• Never wire money abroad
• Verify property ownership
• Use local real estate agents

Additional Notes:

Peaks during student rental seasons. Higher incident rates near universities.

32. Duplicate Listing Scam

• Location Prevalence: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
• Reported Losses: $3.4 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Urgent renters, young professional

How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters list the same property multiple times, collecting deposits from several victims simultaneously.

They often use different platforms and slightly modified listings to avoid detection.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Multiple listings of same property
• Pressure to secure quickly
• Different contact info for same unit
• Reluctance to show property multiple times

Prevention Tips:

• Cross-check listings across platforms
• Verify landlord ownership
• Document all communications
• Use secure payment methods

Additional Notes:

Most active in competitive rental markets with low vacancy rates.

33. Rental Market Rush Scam

• Location Prevalence: High-demand urban areas
• Reported Losses: $1.8 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: First-time renters, relocating professionals

How the Scam Works:

Creates artificial urgency by claiming multiple interested parties and pending offers.

Scammers pressure quick deposits to “secure” the unit, often without allowing proper viewing or verification.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Extreme urgency claims
• Multiple interested party stories
• Demand for immediate decision
• No time allowed for due diligence

Prevention Tips:

• Take time to verify
• Request proof of other offers
• Insist on proper viewing
• Never rush payments

Additional Notes:

Increases during peak rental seasons and in low-vacancy areas.

34. Open House Collection Scam

• Location Prevalence: All major Canadian cities
• Reported Losses: $950,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: Multiple victims at once

How the Scam Works:

Scammers conduct fake open houses at real properties (often without owner knowledge), collecting application fees and deposits from multiple visitors.

They sometimes gain temporary access to legitimate properties or break into vacant ones.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Cash-only application fees
• No proper documentation
• Unable to verify property management
• Pressure to submit deposits during viewing

Prevention Tips:

• Verify property management
• Never pay cash at viewings
• Check listing agent credentials
• Get receipts for all payments

Additional Notes:

Common in areas with competitive rental markets.

35. Employment Housing Fraud

• Location Prevalence: Major business centers
• Reported Losses: $2.6 million (2023)
• Target Demographic: Job seekers, newcomers

How the Scam Works:

Combines fake job offers with housing opportunities, targeting newcomers and job seekers.

Requires housing deposits to “secure” employment package, often claiming company housing benefits.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Combined job-housing offers
• Upfront housing deposits
• Unverifiable employers
• Too-good-to-be-true packages

Prevention Tips:

• Separate job from housing search
• Verify employer legitimacy
• Check company policies
• Never pay housing deposits for jobs

Additional Notes:

Peaks during high immigration periods and in areas with labor shortages.

36. Rental Credit Check Scam

• Location Prevalence: Nationwide
• Reported Losses: $780,000 (2023)
• Target Demographic: All rental applicants

How the Scam Works:

Uses fake credit check websites to collect personal and financial information.

Charges multiple processing fees for credit checks that either don’t exist or are never performed.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Unusual credit check websites
• Multiple processing fees
• Requests for sensitive information
• Non-standard payment methods

Prevention Tips:

• Use known credit bureaus
• Verify legitimate screening services
• Protect personal information
• Keep fee payment records

Additional Notes:

Continuous throughout the year, increases during peak rental seasons.

Conclusion

Rental scams in Canada continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, with reported losses exceeding $15 million in 2023 alone.

Being aware of these common scam patterns is your first line of defense.

By staying vigilant and following these prevention tips, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of rental fraud.

If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to local authorities and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre immediately.