The Prince Edward Island RCMP has received reports of people being defrauded when responding to rental property ads on social media.
Police are investigating numerous complaints from people answering social media ads for property rentals on Prince Edward Island. After replying to the ad, the person is then requested to send a deposit to secure a rental agreement. Once received, the owner of the ad stops responding to messages and keeps the money. In some cases, the individual interested in renting the property will show up at a residence and find out it is already occupied by the rightful home owner.
For further information on the types of frauds and scams that are currently circulating, and on how to best protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
If you've been called or emailed by a suspected scammer, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca. If you've paid money, pre-paid credit cards, gift cards or bitcoin because of a scam, contact your local police.