The current housing crisis has made people even more vulnerable to the abundance of scams and scammers on the internet. One popular scam involves copying listing and image data from genuine real estate websites and posting them on sites like Craigslist and Kijiji, where the scammer will offer them for rent or sale. They will then trick you into sending them funds or your private information.  

Scammers use a combination of social engineering and technology to deceive consumers.  

The bottom line: Never send money to unverified parties.  

Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself. If you are looking for properties for sale or rent, search REALTOR.ca, where only REALTORS® can post legitimate listings.   

If you’re looking for a place to live or invest, it’s best to talk to a local REALTOR® about your real estate needs. They can guide you to the right sources in your market area and provide the advice you need.