Can I trust ads without photos?
Searching for a rental property in Calgary is an important and responsible process, especially for newly arrived immigrants and those who do not have the opportunity to inspect an apartment or house in person. There are often ads on the Internet without photos, which raises doubts about their reliability. In this article, we will consider whether such ads can be trusted, what to look for, and how to protect yourself from fraud.
Why can ads be without photos?
There are several reasons why owners or agencies may not post photos in their ads:
- Lack of time or resources for high-quality photography.
- The listing is created quickly to test the interest of potential tenants.
- Protecting the privacy of the owner or tenants.
- Suspicious intentions - in cases of fraud, fraudsters often avoid publishing photos to hide the absence of housing or its real condition.
Why can ads without photos be risky?
1. Lack of visual information
Photos help you assess the condition of the property, its location, layout, and whether it meets your requirements. Without them, it is difficult to understand whether the offer is right for you.
2. Increased risk of fraud
Fraudsters often post ads without photos or with fake images to attract as many victims as possible. They may demand an advance payment without the possibility of viewing the property.
3. Impossibility to check the reality of the offer
Without a photo, it is difficult to verify whether the property exists, is located at the address given, and matches the description.
How to evaluate an ad without photos?
Check the text of the ad
- Is there a detailed description of the property?
- Is the exact address given?
- Is there information about the rental conditions, size, number of rooms?
- Are there contact details of the owner or agency?
Request additional photos or videos
Call or email the owner to request photos or a live video inspection.
Check the owner's or agency's information
- Look up the name or agency online.
- Check reviews and ratings.
- Contact the agency directly through official channels.
Evaluate the price
If the rental price is significantly lower than the market average, it may be a sign of fraud.
How to protect yourself with ads without photos?
Do not rush to pay
- Never make an advance payment or deposit without meeting in person and signing a contract.
- Avoid transferring money to personal accounts or through unsecured payment systems.
Ask for a rental agreement
- Make sure the contract contains all the terms and conditions: address, rental amount, terms, rights and obligations of the parties.
- Read the agreement carefully and consult a lawyer if necessary.
Organize a personal meeting and inspection of the property
- If it is not possible to inspect the property in person, ask for a live video inspection.
- Check the reality of the ad by comparing the information with other sources.
Additional recommendations
- Use trusted housing search sites such as RentFaster, Kijiji, Realtor.ca.
- Pay attention to the grammar and style of the ad - fake ads often contain errors.
- Do not trust too favorable offers without confirmation.
Where to go if you suspect fraud?
- Notify the administration of the website where the ad is posted.
- Contact the Calgary Police.
- Use the Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to resolve disputes.
- Consult with local organizations that help immigrants and tenants.
Conclusion
Calgary ads without photos can be either legitimate or fraudulent. The absence of a photo increases the risks, so it is important to be especially careful and follow safety rules. Always check the information, request additional evidence, and take your time before paying and signing the contract. This approach will help you avoid fraud and find reliable housing.