Protect Your Rent Payments: Common Rental Scams and How to Avoid Them

Why Rental Scam Awareness Matters

There has been an alarming rise in scams targeting residential communities. Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, making it easier for residents to fall victim to malicious schemes. Awareness is the best defense to prevent rental scams. Here are some ways you can safeguard your personal information.

Common Rental Scams to Watch Out For

Fake Building Sale Notices

 

Scammers may send emails claiming that your building has been sold, instructing you to make rent payments to a new account. CAPREIT will never request rent payments in this manner. If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond or click on any links—always verify with your building management. 

Impersonation of Building Staff

 

Scammers may send emails pretending to be your management team, asking for rent payments via links or different payment methods. These emails will likely be from an unknown email source. CAPREIT will never ask for rent payments through email links. The safest way to pay rent is through our Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) option in the Resident Portal. If you receive an unexpected email about payments, contact your building staff directly. 

How to Spot a Phishing Email

✅ Don’t trust the display name: Scammers can fake display names on email addresses. Check the email address directly.

 

✅ Look, but don’t click: Hover over links before clicking.

 

✅ Check for spelling errors: Poor grammar is a red flag. 

✅ Watch for urgent requests: Scammers create false urgency to pressure you.

 

✅ Never share personal information: CAPREIT will never ask for sensitive details like your SIN or banking info via email. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect that you may have been scammed, seek help immediately.

 

Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the local authorities and the rental office of the building to inform them of the scam.

 

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of being scammed when renting an apartment.

 

Remember to always be vigilant, trust your instincts, and never rush into a decision. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

More on Apartment Safety

  • Don’t trust the display name: Scammers can fake display names on email addresses. Check the email address directly. 
  • Look, but don’t click: Hover over links before clicking. 
  • Check for spelling errors: Poor grammar is a red flag. 
  • Watch for urgent requests: Scammers create false urgency to pressure you. 
  • Never share personal information: CAPREIT will never ask for sensitive details like your SIN or banking info via email. 

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