City police are warning the public about several reports of rental fraud over the past two months.
The North Bay Police Service says all the reported incidents are being investigated.
Officials say there are three main types of rental fraud:
- Phantom Rental – When a fake ad is created to lure tenants and obtain money prior to tenants viewing or occupying the property (a property that, in fact, does not exist);
- Hijacked Ad – When someone copies a legitimate ad and begins to collect money prior to tenants viewing the property;
- Already Rented – When a property is rented to multiple people and money (typically first and last month’s rent) is collected up front before the property is viewed by the tenant(s).
The North Bay Police Service encourages anyone who has been defrauded by a rental scheme to contact police at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer.
You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report a fraud online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Anyone with information that may assist police with ongoing fraud investigations is asked to call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
