Vacationers need to be aware of online rental scams, experts warn
As more people get vaccinated and some restrictions are lifted, travellers may be tempted to take a vacation this summer, but experts are warning people to be careful as online rental scams are increasing.
If you're thinking of a last-minute cottage rental, just be aware that online rental scams have increased by 15 per cent during the pandemic according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
Rental scams were a huge problem last summer as many people vacationed within the province.
The CAFC said fraudsters were able to steal funds from 386 victims totalling $586,424 in losses in 2020. This is only the amount reported to CAFC so it’s likely losses are much higher.
If you're planning a vacation, cyber security experts say beware of online rental scams.
“Unfortunately cyber criminals and scammers are very aware that people want to get away to lakes and rural parts of the country," said Tony Anscombe, chief security expert with ESET.
Anscombe said that to avoid vacation rental scams only use reputable booking sites and don’t communicate off the rental platform.
He said don’t pay with a wire transfer or e-transfer and beware if there is pressure to pay quickly.
“If someone is offering a vacation rental through social media and they are demanding you pay in cash or with a wire transfer I wouldn't trust it," Anscombe said.
Online fraud has increased during the pandemic and a new survey by TransUnion found that when it came digital fraud attempts, financial services fraud increased 217 per cent and travel and leisure fraud increased by 49 per cent.
“The rate of attempted fraud is not just financial services, it's across different vectors," said Anne-Marie Kelly with TransUnion.
TransUnion said consumers need to be vigilant to protect their private information and to make sure they don't click on suspicious links in texts, e-mails or adds.
“I think the fraudsters are very aware of some of the vulnerabilities that they can tap into," Kelly said.
Following a rash of vacation rentals scams last year, the Ontario Provincial Police issued a warning saying renters should only deal with the owner of the cottage or a reputable rental service and to try and view the cottage in person before putting down a deposit.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.