Searching for housing in Edmonton can be a stressful process, especially with the high competition in the rental market. Unfortunately, this also creates a favorable environment for scammers who use fake rental ads to deceive potential tenants. According to the Edmonton Police Service, the number of complaints about rental scams in Edmonton is on the rise, and the problem is becoming increasingly serious. This article provides a detailed guide on how to spot a fake rental ad and protect yourself from scams.
Understanding the problem of rental scams in Edmonton
Rental scams in Edmonton take many forms, but they can be broadly divided into two categories, as defined by the Edmonton Police Service. The first category includes cases where the property actually exists, but the person offering it for rent is not the owner or does not have the right to rent it out. The second category covers situations where the rental property does not exist at all, but fraudsters create a fictitious advertisement to obtain money from unsuspecting tenants. Fraudsters often target those who are desperately looking for housing, newcomers to the area, people looking for a rental for the first time, or members of vulnerable groups.
The most common types of rental scams
Fake landlord scam
One of the most common types of rental scams involves a scammer posing as the owner or property management company and attempting to rent out an apartment that does not belong to them. In some cases, the apartment actually exists and is available for rent, but it is significantly different from the one advertised, often using fake photos. The RCMP has also identified a scheme in which a person with access to a home pretends to be the owner, shows the unit, and then rents it to several people at the same time. The scammer collects money from all potential tenants and disappears, leaving several people confused and homeless.
Rental deposit fraud
Another common type of rental scam is when fraudsters post fake ads for properties they don't own in order to collect a security deposit and then disappear with the money. These scammers often use platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and rental websites such as Rentfaster.ca. They copy legitimate listings from rental websites and repost them as their own. They respond quickly to inquiries and appear professional—until they ask for a deposit via wire transfer or another untraceable method. Once the money is sent, the scammers disappear, leaving the tenant without a place to live and without their deposit.
Overpayment scam
Another common type of scam is when a potential tenant (the scammer) overpays by sending a check or money transfer for more than you requested. The scammer then asks you to deposit the money into your account and send the excess to one of their accomplices (e.g., another family member). The owner falls into the scam trap if the bank does not detect the fraud (insufficient funds) before the owner sends the money back to the scammer.
Red flags: key signs of a fake ad
A price that seems too good to be true
If the rent is significantly lower than market value, it is probably a scam. Scammers often use below-market prices to lure unsuspecting tenants. Research the average rent in the area to determine if the price seems realistic. Very low prices are often a lure to attract unsuspecting tenants. As Lisa Ruffian, moderator of the Facebook group Edmonton Apartments, Houses, Rooms For Rent, points out, scammers are getting smarter and harder to spot. She recommends looking for housing in places where the likelihood that the ads have been verified is higher.
Lack of details in the ad
If the ad is vague and lacks specifics such as square footage or interior photos, it may be a scam. Scammers often copy legitimate listings but change the contact information. Give them a third degree about their property: How many bedrooms and bathrooms? What is the square footage? Are pets allowed? Where is it located? There are many legitimate reasons why a landlord may not have photos of their rental or detailed information about the listing. For example, scammers may pose as a property manager. A property manager cannot know the exact condition of a property without seeing it, so they will not be able to answer questions about the rental. Always insist on specifics before agreeing to proceed with the rental.
Problems with photos
Are the photos blurry? Do you see the same photos used in another listing? Does the owner refuse to provide photos? If any of these situations occur, be suspicious. It is important to carefully review the photos in the ad, making sure that the images provided match the description. Also, look up the address on Google Maps and make sure the photos are not taken from an actual listing. As Lisa Ruffiange pointed out, scammers sometimes use the same photos as if they were taken from a stock website. A Google image search can help you find photos taken from another source.
Inability to view the unit
The owner insists that they cannot show you the listing in person and makes up a reason: “I'm abroad,” “The current tenant refuses to let you see it,” “I live in a different area and can't meet with you.” The list goes on. Not everyone who rents out property lives nearby, so it's understandable if the owner says they don't live in the area. However, legitimate owners should at least be able to have someone meet you at the property to allow you to see it before you agree to move forward. If the owner does not want to communicate face-to-face or by phone, that is a red flag.
Requesting money up front
Legitimate owners will not demand several months' rent in cash before you even sign a lease. This is a major red flag that the “owner” plans to take your money and run. Scammers often pressure potential tenants to send a deposit, sometimes without even meeting the owner or seeing the property in person. Many scams start as ads on online forums such as Facebook Marketplace. People interested in renting may be pressured to send a deposit, sometimes without even meeting the owner or seeing the property in person. Never give out your social security number under any circumstances.
Suspicious details in the ad
If the ad does not include the exact address or apartment number, this is suspicious and may indicate that the unit does not exist or that the photos are of a different unit than the one available. In other cases, scammers may pose as the property's lienholder. A lien holder cannot know the exact condition of the property without inspecting it, so they will not be able to answer questions about the rental. Always insist on specifics before agreeing to proceed with the rental.
Pressure and rush
Scammers often use pressure tactics to force potential tenants to make quick decisions without giving them time to do proper checks. They may claim that they are receiving many inquiries or that the property will be rented very quickly, creating a sense of urgency. Legitimate landlords understand that tenants need to thoroughly inspect the property and will not pressure you to make an immediate decision.
How to verify the legitimacy of an ad
View the property in person
Viewing the listing in person should be one of your top priorities and a key way to confirm the legitimacy of the listing. Be sure to arrange a viewing with the owner or property management company. They should always be willing and prepared to arrange meetings for live or virtual tours. During the tour of his current residence, he photographed his new landlord's driver's license to make sure he was who he said he was. It is good practice to ask to see the landlord's ID and check that it matches the name on the title deed.
Conduct online research
Conduct online research on the property to see who might live there and determine if there are additional listings for the same property. This will help you determine if the listing is a copy of a legitimate listing. Check other listings in the general area and see what the rental prices are. If the rent for the apartment you are considering is significantly lower than the average price for similar properties in the area, you can determine that it is likely a scam.
Check other listings in the area
Scammers often copy legitimate listings from rental websites and change the contact information. Check other listings in the general area and see what rental prices are like. If the rent for the apartment you are considering is significantly lower than the average price for similar properties in the area, you can determine that it is likely a scam.
Check the owner/company
Always check the owner or company before signing a lease. An interested tenant (scammer) will overpay by sending a check or money order for more than you requested. The scammer will then ask you to deposit the money into an account and send the excess to one of their accomplices. Always check the owner or company on Google before signing a lease.
What to do if you encounter fraud
Report the platform
If you find a fraudulent ad, report it to the buying/selling site, rental website, or social network (Rentfaster, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, etc.) so they can remove the ad immediately. Be careful, scammers usually have more than one account. If you find that your property has been listed on another website, contact that website so they can remove the ad immediately.
Contact the police
If you have been a victim of rental fraud, it is important to report it to the police. The Edmonton Police Service has special units that deal with these types of crimes. Keep all documentation, including emails, text messages, and transfer receipts, as this may help with the investigation.
Notify the real owner
If you discover that scammers are using a legitimate property, contact the real owner or property management company. As in the case of Cantiro Homes, the company recommends contacting them directly so they can report the fraudulent ad to the authorities.
Practical tips for safe renting in Edmonton
Use verified platforms
Lisa Ruffiange recommends looking for housing in places where the likelihood that the ads have been verified is higher. She checks all ads posted in her Facebook group and removes anything that seems suspicious. Similarly, websites that allow real estate agents to post listings can provide an extra layer of security. RentFaster.ca requires the owner to pay for the ad, which reduces the likelihood of fraud compared to other websites such as Kijiji.
Meet in person before paying
Always insist on meeting in person and viewing the property before paying any money. Most scammers don't want to pay to deceive someone. Always make sure that someone actually comes to view the property and meets with the owner/agent before giving them any money. If you can go yourself, that's probably best. Ask to speak to a previous tenant, if possible, to find out what it's like to live in the unit and rent from this owner/company.
Trust your intuition
Plato said that at the end of the day, it's just a huge learning moment. You definitely can't trust someone over the internet. Always listen to your instincts—if something seems off in the listing, the application process seems rushed, or something seems too good to be true, be cautious. According to the Edmonton Police Service, if something seems off, it's always better to be on the safe side.
Check the property on the assessment website
You can check the property on the Edmonton property tax assessment website to make sure the owner's name matches the person claiming it. This is an easy way to verify that the person you are communicating with is the actual owner of the property.
Edmonton-specific warnings
Increase in scams in the Kilkenny area
In January 2025, the Edmonton Police Service issued a warning about a specific scam at 7516 147 Ave in the Kilkenny area. This property was falsely advertised as a house for rent on Facebook Marketplace and may have been advertised on other online platforms. Several applicants looking to rent the house reported that they spoke with a person they believed to be the owner of the property and, in some cases, met in person and viewed the house. This highlights the importance of verifying the property, even if the scammer agrees to meet in person.
Warning from Cantiro Homes
Cantiro Homes, a construction company in Edmonton, has discovered that their homes are being fraudulently advertised for rent. The company clearly states that Cantiro Homes does NOT rent out its homes. If you find a Cantiro Homes property listed for rent on any online platform, it is a scam, and the company asks that you report it to them at [email protected] so they can report it to the authorities.
Conclusion
Rental scams in Edmonton are a serious problem that can have devastating financial consequences for victims. Scammers are becoming increasingly inventive and use a variety of tactics to deceive potential tenants. It is important to be vigilant and know the red flags, such as prices that seem too good to be true, lack of details, problems with photos, inability to view the unit, demand for money up front, and suspicious details in the ad. Always view the property in person, do online research, check other listings in the area, and verify the owner/company. If you encounter fraud, report it to the platform, contact the police, and notify the real owner. Use verified platforms, meet in person before paying, trust your intuition, and check the property on a valuation website. By being knowledgeable and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to rental scams in Edmonton and find safe, legitimate housing for yourself and your family.