Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating several reports of rental fraud that occurred on August 6 and 7, 2022. 

Police were contacted by individuals who had fallen victim to the scams after responding to online ads offering an apartment sublet in the University District of Waterloo. 

The individuals met with the suspect in person before the victims paid the suspect to rent the apartment. 

The victims later learned that the rental property was a scam and did not receive responses when they attempted to contact the suspect again. 

The victims then reported the incidents to police. 

The suspect is described as a female, approximately 5’2″ tall, with long brown hair. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

Before forwarding any money, please consider: 

• Schedule a viewing of the property and confirm that the property exists
• Be suspicious if asked to transfer money electronically or wire money out of the country
• Know what reasonable rental rates are
• Review your contract thoroughly and have a friend or family member view it as well
• Be suspicious if there appears to be urgency or pressure to get the deal done quickly 
• Be suspicious if they are avoiding your questions 
• If the deal appears too good to be true, it likely is

Waterloo Regional Police encourage renters to limit the amount of personal information or banking information they share in any transaction. If the post or rental property is a scam, the fraudster may use your information for identity fraud purposes.

If you have been a rental scam victim, contact the ad publisher, file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and make a report with your local Police Service. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. 

Occ: 22-190568 (915) 

Media Inquiries:
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca

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