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Free resources to help you spot scams, know your rights, and rent safely in New Brunswick and across Canada.

Report a Scam Scam Awareness Guide Red Flag Checklist

Scam Awareness Guide

Rental scams are on the rise in New Brunswick. Learn the warning signs before you lose money.

Warning: Rental Scams Are on the Rise

Thousands of Canadians lose money to rental scams every year. Learn the warning signs below to protect yourself and your family.

1. Fake Listings / Wire Transfer Scam

How it works: Scammer posts a too-good-to-be-true rental, asks for deposit via wire transfer or e-transfer before showing property.

Warning signs:

  • Price significantly below market rate
  • Landlord claims to be "out of town" and can't show property
  • Pressures you to send money immediately
  • Asks for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
  • Uses only Gmail/Hotmail email (no business email)

Protection: NEVER send money before seeing the property in person and verifying ownership.

2. Fake Property Owner

How it works: Scammer shows you a real property they don't own, collects deposit, then disappears.

Warning signs:

  • Can't provide proof of ownership (deed, tax bill)
  • Meets you outside the property (won't let you inside)
  • Avoids answering questions about the property
  • Pressures you to sign immediately

Protection: Ask for ID and proof of ownership. Verify through Service NB property records.

3. Bait and Switch

How it works: Advertised property looks great, but "it just rented" and they show you a worse property.

Warning signs:

  • Property in photos doesn't match reality
  • "Similar" property has different address/features
  • Landlord pushes you to take alternative immediately

Protection: Confirm property address before viewing. Walk away if it doesn't match listing.

4. Fake Damage Claims / Deposit Theft

How it works: After you move in, landlord claims fake damage to keep your deposit.

Warning signs:

  • Refuses to do move-in inspection
  • Won't document existing damage in writing
  • Avoids giving receipts for payments

Protection: Document EVERYTHING with photos/video before moving in. Get written move-in inspection.

Red Flag Checklist

If you see ANY of these warning signs, proceed with extreme caution or walk away.

Price & Listing

  • 🚩 Price too good to be true (way below market)
  • 🚩 Listing copied from another website
  • 🚩 Grammar/spelling errors in listing
  • 🚩 Only stock photos (no real property photos)
  • 🚩 No address or vague location

Communication

  • 🚩 Landlord won't meet in person
  • 🚩 Claims to be overseas/out of town
  • 🚩 Uses only email (no phone number)
  • 🚩 Pressures you to decide immediately
  • 🚩 Asks personal questions before showing property
  • 🚩 Poor English with excuses ("I'm traveling")

Payment

  • 🚩 Asks for money before showing property
  • 🚩 Wants wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram
  • 🚩 Asks for gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • 🚩 Won't accept certified cheque or money order
  • 🚩 Deposit larger than one month's rent
  • 🚩 No receipt or written agreement

Viewing

  • 🚩 Won't let you inside the property
  • 🚩 Can't answer basic questions about property
  • 🚩 Rushes you through viewing
  • 🚩 Other "tenants" seem suspicious
  • 🚩 Claims "just renovated" but looks old

Documentation

  • 🚩 Won't provide written lease agreement
  • 🚩 Lease has unusual terms or spelling errors
  • 🚩 Can't provide proof of ownership
  • 🚩 Won't provide landlord's real name/address
  • 🚩 No references from previous tenants

Rule of Thumb

If something feels wrong, trust your gut and walk away!

Safe Payment Tips

Follow these rules to protect your money when renting.

DO

  • ✓ View the property IN PERSON before paying anything
  • ✓ Verify landlord's identity (government ID + proof of ownership)
  • ✓ Get everything in writing (lease, receipts, move-in inspection)
  • ✓ Pay by certified cheque or money order (traceable)
  • ✓ Make cheque payable to property management company (not individual)
  • ✓ Get receipt immediately upon payment
  • ✓ Take photos/video of property condition before moving in
  • ✓ Read entire lease agreement before signing
  • ✓ Keep copies of ALL documents
  • ✓ Research landlord online (reviews, complaints)

DON'T

  • ✗ Send money before seeing property in person
  • ✗ Use wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram
  • ✗ Pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • ✗ Send money to someone "out of town"
  • ✗ Pay more than first + last month's rent as deposit
  • ✗ Sign blank forms or incomplete agreements
  • ✗ Give SIN, credit card, or banking info before verifying landlord
  • ✗ Feel pressured to decide immediately

New Brunswick Rental Deposit Rules

Legal Maximum Deposit
First + Last Month's Rent
(2 months total)
Illegal Deposits
Security, Pet, Key Deposits
(All illegal in NB)

Know your rights: If a landlord asks for more than first + last month's rent, they are violating New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act.

Report a Scam

If you've been scammed or spotted a suspicious listing, report it immediately.

RCMP New Brunswick

Report rental scams to police

View Scam Alert

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Report fraud nationally

Report Fraud

Service New Brunswick

Verify property ownership

Property Records

Report a Scam on MapleRentals

Report scams from any platform

Report Now

Additional Resources

NB Residential Tenancies Tribunal

Know your rights as a tenant in New Brunswick

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Victim Support

Get help if you've been a victim of rental fraud

Rent Safe Initiative

Our anti-scam initiative protecting New Brunswick renters

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