How to Spot and Avoid Scams on RentWhiz: A Guide for Students

At RentWhiz, your safety is our top priority. We want to make sure you have a secure space to find reliable rental listings. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to spot scams and fraudulent posts. This is one of the most important blogs you’ll want to read, so don’t skip the details!

If you spot a suspicious post, don’t hesitate to flag it. To report a listing, just click the 3 dots in the top-right corner and choose “Report Post” or “Report to Group Admins.” If it’s a comment, tap and hold on it, then follow the same steps. Once reported, we’ll block the scammer and notify Facebook. You can also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) for extra protection.

Here’s what to look out for:

1. Too Good to Be True? It Probably Is

If a rental price seems way too low compared to similar listings, it could be a scam. Take a minute to compare prices — scammers often bait people with unreal deals that seem too good to pass up.

2. Their Facebook Profile Looks Sketchy

If the person behind the listing has a brand-new Facebook account, no mutual friends, and barely any posts, it’s likely a fake account. Also, check the profile pictures. If they look blurry, stock-photo-like, or weirdly inconsistent, it’s probably not a real person.

3. They Ask for Payments or Personal Info

Real landlords won’t ask for payment details or your bank info through Facebook messages. Never give out sensitive financial info unless you’ve signed a lease in person (and even then, be cautious). If someone’s asking for personal info like your SIN, student ID, or birthdate upfront, it’s a big red flag.

4. They Don’t Want to Meet in Person

If the person refuses to meet you in person or show you the property, that’s a huge warning sign. Legit landlords will let you tour the place and meet face-to-face. Scammers usually push everything online to avoid being caught.

5. Suspicious Links or Websites

If a post includes a link that redirects you to an unfamiliar website, or your browser warns you about the site, don’t click it! Always stick to Facebook for transactions or find trusted platforms. Scammers use shady websites to steal your info, so report these posts right away.

6. Check the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

If you're unsure whether something’s a scam, check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They have tons of resources to help you identify fraud, whether it’s from social media, emails, calls, or texts. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, they can guide you on what to do next.

Stay Safe, Stay Smart The best way to protect yourself and the RentWhiz community is to report anything suspicious. We’re all in this together, and with your help, we can keep our groups scam-free.

If you’ve seen anything shady, let us know! You can comment below, contact us or reach out on social media. Stay safe, and happy renting!

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