RCMP warn of rental scam in Banff

Police are warning people about a rental scam in Banff west of Calgary.

The RCMP say a number of fraudulent rental ads — many posted on the website Kijiji — have been reported.

The scam involves someone advertising a home or an apartment which contain pictures and details about the property.

The potential renter then communicates with the fake landlord by phone or email and is asked to send money, usually by Western Union or online banking, without actually seeing the property in person.

When the potential renters arrive in Banff, they find out the property doesn't exist or it is already being occupied.

When the renters attempt to contact the landlord, the phone number no longer exists.