Toronto police are warning the public about a rental scam with condos in the downtown area. On Friday, Police issued a news release detailing an alleged scam with units located at 12 and 14 York St. The rental ads were on Kijiji for units in the buildings and the suspect and victim discuss the property over text and phone.

The suspect acting as an agent of the owner then meets with the victim at the rental location for a viewing of the property. Police said the unit is actually being rented by the suspect as a short-term rental which is giving them access to the property. The victim then signs a rent agreement, which is fake, and sends the suspect a deposit via an e-transfer. The suspect then stops communicating with the victim.

Police said the suspect uses a “variety of names” in the advertisement to cover their tracks.

Officers said that individuals should be careful sending deposits and signing rental agreements. Renters should only deal with agents who can be “thoroughly checked.” Police also recommended that individuals confirm with the building’s property owner that the unit is available for long-term rent.

Anyone with information on the scam is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

This article was originally sourced by Global News.