NL

Kijiji rental scam flagged by RNC

Individuals posing as potential tenants looking for a place to rent in Newfoundland and Labrador are operating a scam on Kijiji.
Police are investigating several cases of Kijiji rental scams in the province. (CBC)

Individuals posing as potential tenants looking for a place to rent in Newfoundland and Labrador are operating a scam on Kijiji, police say. 

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's economic crime unit said landlords receive a reply to Kijiji rental ads from a person pretending to be an American looking for a place to live in the province.

The fraudster sends along pictures and a copy of a driver's licence to convince the landlord that the potential tenant is legitimate. 

According to the RNC, the fake tenants send a bank draft for rent and a deposit, but always send too much.

Victims of the scam lose money when they email transfer the difference back to the scam artist before realizing the bank draft is fraudulent.

The RNC said it is investigating several cases involving Kijiji rental fraud.