New Brunswick RCMP Issues Alert on Ongoing Rental Deposit Scams
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in New Brunswick have issued a public warning regarding a persistent rental deposit scam that continues to target residents across the province. Authorities are urging individuals to exercise extreme caution when engaging in rental transactions, particularly those conducted online or through unofficial channels.
How the Scam Operates
According to RCMP investigators, the fraudulent scheme typically involves scammers posing as legitimate property owners or rental agents. These individuals advertise attractive rental properties at below-market rates through various online platforms and social media channels. Once potential tenants express interest, the fraudsters request substantial security deposits or first month's rent payments through electronic transfers or untraceable methods.
The properties being advertised often do not exist, or the scammers have no legitimate connection to them. In some instances, criminals have been known to use photos and descriptions stolen from legitimate rental listings to create convincing but entirely fabricated advertisements.
Red Flags and Protective Measures
RCMP officials have identified several warning signs that may indicate a rental scam:
- Requests for payment before viewing the property in person
- Pressure to make immediate deposits or payments
- Unusually low rental rates compared to similar properties in the area
- Landlords who refuse to meet in person or provide proper identification
- Requests for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
"We cannot stress enough the importance of verifying the legitimacy of rental listings before sending any money," stated an RCMP spokesperson. "Always insist on viewing the property in person, meeting the landlord or property manager face-to-face, and obtaining a written rental agreement before providing any financial information or payments."
Victim Impact and Reporting Procedures
Financial losses from these scams can be substantial, often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per victim. Beyond the immediate financial harm, victims frequently experience significant stress and disruption to their housing search efforts.
The RCMP advises anyone who believes they may have encountered a rental scam or fallen victim to such fraud to:
- Cease all communication with the suspected scammer immediately
- Contact their local RCMP detachment or police service to file a report
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Notify the platform where the fraudulent advertisement was posted
- Monitor financial accounts for any unauthorized activity
Law enforcement officials emphasize that rental deposit scams are not isolated incidents but represent an ongoing threat that requires continued public awareness and vigilance. The RCMP's warning comes as part of broader efforts to combat financial crimes targeting New Brunswick residents through various deceptive schemes.
