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Police are reminding people to be extra vigilant when dealing with on-line transactions after a Norfolk resident lost $1,250 in a property rental scam.
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A Simcoe resident reached out to Norfolk OPP earlier this month after being defrauded in their quest for a vacation rental property in the Kawarthas.
The person located a property for rent on the Kijiji site and eventually reached an agreement with the individual who was advertising the property.
The victim sent about $1,250 to secure the rental but became suspicious when all communication ceased.
“Police are reminding all residents to always be vigilant when responding to ads on various web sites,” OPP West Region Acting Sgt Ed Sanchuk said in a media release.”
Kijiji offers the following suggestions in order to stay safe while searching for vacation rental property:
- Look up the reasonable price range for similar property in the same area.
- Ask the person who placed the ad to provide you with documents proving ownership.
- Look up the property address on ‘Street View’ to compare with what the posted.
- Ask for additional images or ask the owner to contact you via videoconferencing; you will be able to view the property and verify ownership.
- Instead of cash transfers it’s recommended you use credit cards as they will help recover any payments in the case of loss.
