Fake rental listing scam: Several Edmonton residents lose $11,000

By: 600011 On: Jan 23, 2025, 2:07 PM

 

 

Victims in Edmonton lost $11,000 to fake online rental listings, police say. The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public about an address at 7516 147 Avenue in the Northeast. Authorities say the home at the address was advertised for rent on Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces.

Police say the scammers talked to people who believed they were the owner and allowed them to view the home in person. Those who saw the house and liked it signed the lease and gave it to them, but when they were told that the house would be given to them, they could not contact the owner. This is when they realized that they had been scammed. By then, the complainants said, the scammers had already taken the money and disappeared.

The police have advised those who want to buy a rented house to be aware of this address and the scam and to report advertisements at this address to the police. Those who have lost money due to this scam have also been informed to report it to the police.