Police warn of rental scam

A woman looking for a rental property became involved in an elaborate scam, said Nelson Police Friday.

Officers first became aware of the scam on Oct. 21, when the woman appeared at the department to make the report.

"She had recently posted an ad stating that she was looking for a rental and was contacted by an individual, who claimed that he lived in Vancouver but had an available rental unit in Nelson," Nelson Police said.

"He sent her a web link to the unit on Airbnb, but told her that no one was currently available to show her the suite in person."

Nelson Police said the complainant became suspicious and contacted the would-be landlord on the number provided to inform him of her concerns.

When scammer became hostile, the woman said that she planning to make a report to Airbnb

Nelson Police said the woman thought the matter was over until she received a phone call a few days later from someone alleging to be an RCMP officer, who explained a complaint had been made by someone wanting to press charges against her for fraud and defamation of character.

"When she once again called the supposed landlord, he told her that she had caused his Airbnb account to be blocked and threatened to take her to civil and criminal court to make her pay for his lost income," Nelson Police said.

"At this point, the woman ceased communication with him. She was able to find the real listing for the rental unit on the Airbnb website and informed the owner that it was being used in a scam, and then contacted police."

Nelson Police say they would like to commend this woman for recognizing this as a scam and taking all of the right steps, adding this type of fraud is unfortunately common.

Police tips for entering into a rental agreement:

• Always verify that a property exists, that it actually belongs to the person who is offering to rent it out
• If possible, visit the property in person before exchanging any money
• Anyone with suspicion of a scam, stop communication and contact police