Police are reminding people to be vigilant when dealing with online transactions after a Simcoe resident lost $1,250 in a property rental scam.
Norfolk OPP said the resident reached an agreement to rent a vacation property in the Kawarthas advertised on the Kijiji site.
The victim sent about $1,250 to secure the rental but became suspicious when all communication ceased.
“Police are reminding all residents to always be vigilant when responding to ads on various web sites,” OPP West Region Acting Sgt Ed Sanchuk said in a media release.
Kijiji offers the following suggestions in order to stay safe while searching for vacation rental property:
- Look up the reasonable price range for similar property in the same area.
- Ask the person who placed the ad to provide you with documents proving ownership.
- Look up the property address on ‘Street View’ to compare with what the posted.
- Ask for additional images or ask the owner to contact you via videoconferencing; you will be able to view the property and verify ownership.
- Instead of cash transfers it’s recommended you use credit cards as they will help recover any payments in the case of loss.