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
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.