High-end condos, low rates: yep, it's a scam, say Yukon police

RCMP are warning Yukoners about the latest rental scam hitting Whitehorse.

Scammers are posting online ads for high-end rental propertiesat very affordable rates, then defrauding victims who forward deposits for the non-existentvacancy.

The rates offered are "almost too good to be true," saidRCMP spokespersonJulia Fox.

Interested renters are asked to fill out an application form and promised keys to the residence in exchange for a month's rent and a damage deposittotaling$1,500.

"The new tenant arrives at the residence, possessions in tow, to find it's not for rent whatsoever," said Fox.

Contacted by email, the scammer claims he's moved to the United States for two yearsand is"looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it, as we are not after the money."

Police say at least one person has been victimized in Whitehorse.

"The actual owner of the residence is left quite confused, and the scammer has gotten away with usually a decent amount of cash," says Fox.

Fox says police want to hear from people who feel they are being scammedand encourages people to report such schemes to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre.