FRAUD FRIDAY: Residential Rental Scams

October 3, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents.


Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent residential rental scams.

Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear.


If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired.


Tips

  • Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person.
  • Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle.
  • Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner.

The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams.


If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/)


To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

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