Beware of Real Estate Scams Altona Woman Close Call and Urgent Warning
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An Altona woman narrowly avoided losing $500 in a real estate scam and is now warning others to be cautious. Lorraine Friesen responded to an online advertisement for a rental house and believed it to be legitimate. The scammers had prepared a form and provided a reason for not living in the house, claiming to be involved in mission work and only intending to rent it. Friesen sent a $500 e-transfer for the damage deposit, but her bank flagged the transaction and returned her money. The scammers had used a photo of the actual house, listed for sale on a local realtor's website, as a front for their scheme. Friesen advises people to exercise due diligence and be aware of such scams.
Altona Police Chief Dan Defer confirmed that Friesen's incident was reported and emphasized the prevalence of online scams. He advised users to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of online ads. For local ads, users should check the email address and phone numbers provided, ensuring they are local. Defer encouraged consulting local realtors who are familiar with the market to verify the authenticity of real estate listings. He stressed the need for suspicion in today's online marketplace and warned that once money is sent, it is difficult to recover.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance when conducting online transactions, particularly in the real estate market. Potential renters and buyers should verify the authenticity of listings, cross-check information, and be wary of red flags. Consulting local professionals and relying on their expertise can help avoid falling victim to scams.
Read the full article on: PembinaValley
