Nelson Police warn of rental scam making rounds in city
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police is advising the public, especially would-be renters, of an old but effective scam that is still happening in the Heritage City.
The scam involves fraudsters attempting to take advantage of the lack of rental housing in the city by posting ads for rental properties that don’t exist.
“The fraudsters are using local buy and sell websites/forums asking would be renters to forward money in advance prior to viewing the property,” the NPD media release said.
“In some instances, victims are being asked to provide a detailed application form asking for personal details such as SIN, driver’s license number and other personal details which could later be used for identity theft.”
Nelson Police urge the public to be vigilant when researching a property by ensuring the rental property does in fact exist and the contact person is the owner, landlord or property manager.
For more information about renting a property in BC please go online to the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC website.
