The Williams Lake RCMP were recently made aware of an incident where a local resident responded to an ad on Craig's List for a rental unit.
"The advertisement included an address and pictures of a home in Williams Lake," the RCMP noted in a press release. "The person claiming to rent the home said they had to abruptly leave the country and needed a renter as soon possible and would reduce the rent due to the time constraints."
It was soon discovered the ad was a fake and that the fraudster had asked the Williams Lake resident to wire money to Nigeria.
The RCMP are urging to public to avoid such scams and suggest citizens follow the advice given on the Craig's List website regarding its listings.
Advice tips given include:
Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person.
Beware of offers involving shipping and only deal with locals you can meet in person.
Never wire funds from places like Western Union. Any one who asks you to is a scammer.
Don't accept cashier/certified cheques or money orders because if a bank cashes fake cheques or money orders it will hold the depositor responsible.
Transactions are between users only and no third party provides a "guarantee".
Never give out financial info such as a bank account, social security, paypal account, etc.
Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen and be warned that "amazing deal" may not exist.
Refuse background and credit checks until you have met a landlord or employer in person.
Anyone with knowledge of this particular rental scam offence that might assist with the ongoing investigation, or know who committed this offence, is aksed to please call the Williams Lake RCMP at 250 392 6211, or Crimestoppers at 1 800 222 8477.