The Elk Valley RCMP is warning prospective renters to be vigilant following Rental Scams in Fernie that have resulted in financial loss.

According to police, the victims were planning to relocate to Fernie and found a rental listing on social media. After contacting the purported property manager, they were sent photos and a rental agreement. Unable to view the apartment in person due to their current location, the victims sent a deposit as outlined in the agreement.

Shortly afterward, communication with the property manager ceased, and the listing was removed. The victims then contacted their bank and were advised to report the scam to the police.

“These types of scams are, unfortunately, quite common, especially as we have many international individuals moving to the area for work,” stated the Elk Valley RCMP. “These cases can be challenging to investigate because the suspects and their financial accounts are often based abroad.”

The RCMP suggests several precautions to identify potential rental scams:
• Be cautious of suspicious photos, vague address details, or prices that don’t align with the local market.
• During the application process, be wary if the property manager asks for excessive personal information or avoids arranging an in-person or virtual viewing—these are potential red flags.
• Watch out for upfront deposit requests, persistent demands for money, the absence of standard lease agreements, or unconventional payment methods, as these are common indicators of fraud.

The best way to avoid scams is to work with a reputable local rental property manager or real estate company, who can guide you to legitimate listings and trusted contacts.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. If you have concerns about similar scams, you can contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or ElkValleyRCMP@rcmp-grc.gc.ca for guidance and support.