Barrie Police Service has recently been advised of a current scam occurring within the Barrie area in regards to rental properties.
Advertisements have been placed on Kijiji, Craig’s List or other similar ad posting sites with houses for rent with the price lower than market average. Once conversation begins, the “landlord” states they are unable to show the property as they currently live out of town. Often the address, details of the property and interior photos are provided via email. Many of these homes have recently been listed for sale or rent and these details are obtained by the fraudsters from original listing source.
A discounted deposit for good faith is requested to be sent via money transfer with the understanding the keys will be mailed or dropped off to the prospective tenant. Often, when the tenant shows up, the house is occupied by an unexpected tenant or homeowner and the renter is out the deposit money and no where to live.
Read more at Barrie Police
