Watch out for scammers, Saskatoon police are warning members of the public looking to rent a home.
Police said in a media release Friday they recently became aware of a fraud that targets anyone searching for a rental property.
Scammers are creating fake online classified ads to list properties they do not own for rent. The scammer will use photos from local real estate listings or other property ads, but mark the property at an enticing price, police said.
They will also list their own contact information. Police said when a victim responds to the ad, the scammer states they are out of town but that they will accept a damage deposit, via money wire service or electronic transfer, to hold the property.
The victim then receives no further communication from the scammer after sending the funds.
Members of the public searching for rental properties should insist on viewing the property and not send money to someone they don’t know, police said.
