Students Are Being Targeted By Rental Scams Across Canada And Here’s How To Avoid Them

We know no one wants to talk about it or admit it but it’s the middle of August and that means back to school season is upon us.

And if you’re heading off to university or college this year and have decided not to stay in a dorm room but to rent your own place, it’s time to start looking for where you’ll stay.

And of course that means there are scammers out there trying to take advantage of you, but there are definitely ways to avoid them. 

First, you need to look at the price. We all want to save money but if the price of an apartment is too good to be true, it probably is.

Many of the scammers aren’t even in Canada and after exchanging a few emails with you, they'll probably ask you for money. Don’t give them a penny (or nickel, seeing as Canada doesn’t make pennies anymore).

You should never send anyone money that you’ve never met in person. 

You should always at least try to see the place you want to rent in person but if you’re unable to because you live too far away, then you should do some research on the address on Google and Google Maps.

If the listing doesn’t match the property on Google Maps or the address, it’s likely a scam. Some scammers will even only post photos of the outside of a building and nothing of the interior. 

Other signs of a scam include: being asked to sign a deposit without any formal agreement in place and receiving an email with a link asking you to provide detailed financial and personal information.

So if you’re living on your own for the first time don’t get off on the wrong foot with a scam. 

Source:Newswire