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Rental property scam circulating online

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wants to remind the public to be cautious when dealing with rental or purchase agreements
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Sault Ste. Marie Police Service building file photo. Darren Taylor/SooToday
NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE POLICE SERVICE
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Officers with the Technological Crime Unit of The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind the public of an ongoing rental property scam that has been identified online.

Officers have noticed multiple classified advertisements listed online showing that a particular residence or apartment is for rent in Sault Ste. Marie. In this scam, the perpetrators pull photos and information from legitimate real estate advertisements and then post those properties for rent under their own private advertisement.

An unsuspecting victim may send a rental deposit to the perpetrator via an e-transfer thinking that they have a legitimate rental agreement. The victim later shows up to the property only to find out that they have been scammed out of their money and that they do not have a place to live.

We encourage the public to be cautious when dealing with rental or purchase agreements. It is important to confirm all information in the agreements and ensure that you are speaking to the people with the proper authority to rent or sell the property. 

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