Nanaimo RCMP Warn of Rental Scam After Resident Loses Nearly $4,000

Nanaimo RCMP issued a rental scam warning on Nov. 3 after a local resident reported losing nearly $4,000 while trying to rent a property in the city.

Police said the resident responded to an online advertisement that appeared legitimate. The listing included documents such as a rental agreement and land title information. The resident then sent several payments for deposits and rent through online banking.

The alleged scam came to light when the resident arranged to view the property. According to police, the legitimate homeowner said the people advertising it were not authorized to rent out the residence.

Police said they have since learned that information about the same property had been used in previous rental scam attempts.

Police advice for renters

Inspector Donovan Tait of the Nanaimo RCMP said people looking for affordable housing can feel pressured to find a place quickly. He said checking a listing and a landlord’s identity can help prevent a significant financial loss.

Police advise renters not to send a deposit or rent before viewing a property in person. They also recommend caution when rent is significantly below market value, when someone is pushing for a quick decision, or when a landlord says they are out of town or cannot meet.

Renters should search the property address online for duplicate listings, verify the landlord’s identity and, where possible, confirm who owns the property, police said.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a rental scam should report it to their local police department, financial institution and/or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The police file number is 2026-36344.