Beware of scammers, police warn prospective renters in Whitehorse

If you're looking for a rental unit in Whitehorse, beware of scammers.

RCMPare warning prospective tenants after someone was duped into paying a damage deposit and first month's rent on an apartment unit that wasn't even vacant.

Police saidthe person lost more than $2,000 in the scam.

In a news release, RCMP saidthe victim was attempting to rent a place on Topaz Crescent in the Copper Ridge neighbourhood, from a man who claimed to be in the U.S.

According to police, forms and rental agreements were exchanged and signed, and a move-in date was agreed upon. Thedeposit and onemonth rent were sent by e-transfer.

"Everything appeared to be legitimate," the release said.

It turned out, however, that the property was neither vacant nor available for rent.

Similar scams reported in Whitehorse

Police saidin these type of scams,by the time victims learn they'vebeen duped, rental ads are usually deletedand the phony landlord no longerbe reached.

A similar scam was reported two years ago in Whitehorse, involvingonline ads for high-end rental propertiesat very affordable rates. Last year, a young woman alsotold CBC she'd lost$1,000while trying to rent her first apartment in Whitehorse.

The release said fraud victims should reportscams to police, or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Police also advise people looking for rentals to schedule a showing of a propertyto confirm it's availableand to never send money to a stranger.