Fraud and Scams for Managers

You can avoid scammers by following these simple, common-sense rules

• Deal locally with people that you meet in person.
  Follow this rule and you will avoid 99% of scam attempts.
   
• Never wire funds via Western Union, Moneygram or other wire service.
  Anyone who asks you to wire funds to them is a scammer.
   
• Never provide your personal or banking information.
  If someone asks for your bank account number, social security number, or any other personal or on-line (usernames) information, they are very likely a scammer.
   
• Be on guard for fake cashier cheques and money orders.
  Fake cashier cheques and money orders are common and banks will cash them and then hold you responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.
   
• Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Recognizing scams

Most scams involve one or more of the following:

• An Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country
• Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's cheque, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"
• Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before completing a transaction

Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ic3.gov
• Contact your local RCMP Detachment or the police service of jurisdiction in your area.
• If you suspect that an ad posted on the Rent Board may be part of a scam, please email the details to [email protected]. Be sure to include the ad ID in your message.