02/20/2026
Be aware of rental deposit scams!
We always offer in-person viewings before asking for a security deposit and never use pay now pressure tactics on a prospective renter.
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The Codiac Regional RCMP Specialized Policing Services is warning the public about an ongoing rentalâdeposit scam targeting individuals searching for apartments online.
Over the last several days, the Codiac Regional RCMP has received multiple reports of rental-deposit scams. Victims are typically responding to advertisements posted on social media platforms or online classifieds. After the victim sends a deposit or âfirst monthâs rent,â the fraudster stops communicating and the rental property are found to be fake or not actually available. Scammers often insist on e-transfers because it is fast and difficult to reverse.
In many cases, fraudsters repost photos and descriptions of real apartments already listed on Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms. The scammer claims the apartment is available and pressures the victim to send a deposit, application fee, or first/last monthâs rent before even being able to view the unit. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks communication and disappears.
The Codiac Regional RCMP is sharing the following tips to help protect renters.
-Never send money before viewing a rental in person: Legitimate landlords will allow you to see the unit before any payment is made.
-Be suspicious of urgent pressure: Scammers often claim âmany people are interestedâ, âFirst come, first servedâ, âSend a deposit to hold itâ. Urgency in this instance is a red flag.
-Verify ownership of the property by asking for the landlordâs full name and phone number. Search the propertyâs civic address on public property records to confirm it exists and consider contacting the property management company or building superintendent directly.
Renters may also watch for common signs of a fake listing, which could include unusual low rent for the area, photos that appear to be taken from a real estate website, and communication limited to an app or profile with limited history.
If you already transferred funds to a suspected fraudster, contact your financial institution immediately and ask if the e-transfer can be cancelled or reversed. Some banks can flag the transaction if it has not yet been accepted.
Report the incident to your local RCMP detachment that will include screenshots of the advertisement, all messages exchanged, email addresses, phone numbers, payment details and the receipts or bank transaction confirmations.
You should also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
https://rcmp.ca/en/nb/news/2026/02/4350506