OPP news release follows
____________
KENORA, Ont. -- Members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to warn the public about a fraud circulating that has been reported in the Kenora area.
The fraudsters pose online as landlords of real estate properties they see on other sites.
They then ask prospective tenants to wire money for a deposit to “hold” the property. They may even use forms and contacts from legitimate businesses and go to great lengths to appear to be the actual agent for the property.
The key to avoid becoming a victim of this fraud is to be cautious of the following
• The “landlord” typically claims to be out of the country.
• The rent appears very low for the property.
• The “landlord” pressures for an immediate deposit to view and/or secure apartment.
• They will only accept deposits via wire transfer.
