Kamloops RCMP are investigating after at least two people were scammed after responding to an online ad for a rental apartment on Summit Drive in the last week.

Const. Crystal Evelyn says the ad was posted on website Zoeken and people were asked to e-transfer money to Africa to secure the rental. She says when it comes to renting an apartment, if it sounds too good to be true, it might be.

“It can be easy to be fooled, especially if you’re moving to town yourself and are unable to visit the property in person,” she said. “It might not always be easy, but always make sure that you or someone you trust visits a property first before exchanging any money.”

“Also, take steps to confirm the person offering the property is its actual owner. Taking the time to talk to neighbours in the area or a building’s superintendent can save you a whole lot of time and money on the other end.”

Evelyn says these scams are not new and it can happen on any website.

“In some cases, scammers will pull photos from legitimate listings or properties for sale and present them as their own, but be unable to show the property in person,” Evelyn added.

She says to avoid falling victim to rental scams, to visit the property yourself and ask the landlord for proper identification. She also says to ensure a proper rental agreement is signed and says its better to pay a deposit by cheque or bank draft instead of cash.

And if you have been scammed by a potential fraudster, she’s asking you to report the incident to Kamloops RCMP and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.