Toronto (May 6, 2020) – Toronto police are looking for the 37-year-old man, Sungjin Kim, for multiple counts of fraud in connection with a rental fraud investigation. He allegedly defrauded 20 people while collecting first and last month’s rent for a room in Toronto, he fraudulently offered on the Korean app Casmo. Police believe that there may be more victims and that meanwhile, he had fled the country.
Sungjin Kim of Toronto is wanted by the Toronto police in connection with a rental fraud investigation, the authorities announced in a press release on May 5. The 37-year-old is alleged of defrauding 20 people pretending to rent out a room in Toronto.
Toronto Casmo rental fraud
The police received 20 reports regarding the rental of a room in units at 30 Greenfield Avenue between April 27 and May 2 of this year. The victims reported that they found the room in an ad on the Korean app Casmo.
Some of the victims met with the suspect and were given the opportunity to see the room. Others were told that he would not be able to show them the unit due to COVID-19. The police say the victims sent first and last month’s rent to the suspect through e-transfer although he allegedly did not have the right to rent the room in the unit.
Wanted for multiple counts of fraud
Toronto police are looking for Kim in relation to these incidents. The Toronto man, who is wanted for multiple counts of fraud, is believed to have fled the country, according to the police.
However, police believe there may be more victims who have been defrauded. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toronto police at 416-808-3200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Read more: Toronto man charged for alleged apartment rental fraud
How to spot rental fraud
The search for a rental property can be a difficult process. While trying to find the right apartment, people can protect themselves from rental fraud by looking out for these warning signs:
- The owner is out of town, and you cannot see the unit in person before sending money.
- There is a ‘for sale’ sign in the yard.
- The alleged owner or property manager wants money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or a gift card. No legitimate business gets paid this way.
- The rent advertised is well below market rates.
Those looking for a rental should first conduct an internet search. Copy the photos in the post and use Google Image Search or Tineye.com to check for multiple listings. Additionally, search using an interesting phrase in the description as well as the address of the unit.
If you see the unit in person, check ID, and make sure you are dealing with the real property owner or manager.
