What to do if a fraudster demands an advance payment?

Searching for a rental property in Calgary is an important step that is often accompanied by the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. One of the most common fraudulent schemes is the demand for an advance payment for a property that does not actually exist or does not belong to the person renting it. In this article, we will look at how to recognize a scam, what to do if you are asked to make an advance payment, and how to protect your money.

How does a prepayment scam work?

Scammers often use classifieds, social media, and messengers to contact potential tenants. They offer housing at a favorable price, but require an advance payment or deposit before signing a contract or viewing the property. Here's how it usually works:

  • The scammer contacts you pretending to be an interested landlord or agent.
  • They offer to quickly book an accommodation, demanding an advance payment.
  • To be convincing, he sends forged documents or links to fake “secure payment” sites (lookalike sites).
  • After the money is deposited, the connection with the fraudster is cut off and the money is lost.

How to recognize fraud?

1. Too favorable a price

If the rent is significantly lower than the market rate, it could be a trap.

2. No personal meeting or inspection of the property

The owner avoids meeting you, offers only a remote viewing, or asks you to pay without seeing the property.

3. Requiring an advance payment before signing the contract

Legitimate landlords usually do not demand money without signing a contract and inspecting the property.

4. Suspicious links and websites

Fraudsters send links to lookalike sites that imitate well-known platforms, such as OLX, to steal bank data.

5. Request for personal data

Fraudsters may request card number, CVV code, passwords or other confidential information.

What to do if you are asked to make an advance payment?

Do not rush

  • Do not send money without meeting in person and signing a contract.
  • Check the information about the owner and the property.
  • Ask for a live video inspection.

Check the link

  • Do not click on suspicious links.
  • Check the URL of the site for compliance with the official one.

Do not share confidential information

  • Never give fraudsters your bank card details, passwords, or verification codes.

If you have already made an advance payment

1. Contact the bank

  • Immediately notify the bank of the fraud.
  • Try to block the card or cancel the payment.

2. Notify the police

  • Contact the Calgary Police or your local police department.
  • Send all evidence: screenshots, correspondence, links.

3. Notify the website administration

  • If the fraud occurred through a classifieds site, notify the administration.

4. Contact support organizations

  • The Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) can help with dispute resolution.

How to protect yourself in the future?

  • Use trusted housing search platforms (RentFaster, Kijiji, Realtor.ca).
  • Inspect the property in person before paying.
  • Require a formal contract to be signed.
  • Avoid offers that seem too favorable.
  • Keep all correspondence and documents.

Conclusion

Advance payment scams are a common problem in Calgary, but they can be avoided by following simple safety rules. Don't rush to pay, check information, request a personal meeting and a formal contract. If you become a victim of fraud, immediately contact the bank, police, and relevant services.