Rental Scam Re-appears in the area
Police in the Brockville area are again receiving reports of fraudulent classified ads appearing online for rental properties in preferred locations. In the latest twist, scammers are copying pictures advertised for sale on legitimate real estate websites, and offering them as a rental property through online classified ads.
The scammer will portray themselves as a landlord working out of town or even overseas and they are seeking good tenants to look after the property. A deposit is required to secure the rental and when the prospective tenant asks about a showing they are not available because he is out of town, but pictures are available and a full refund offered if the rental unit does meet satisfaction.
Locally, home owners contacted police when prospective tenants notified them their house had been advertised in an online classified ad.
Persons searching for rental properties should do the following to protect themselves before sending any money:
- When searching rental go to the address and schedule a showing and confirm its availability
- Request a lease or contract
- Complete open source internet searches on the property to ensure it is not a duplicate
- Do NOT send funds to strangers
- Contact Equifax or Transunion if you have provided sensitive information on rental applications
- As always “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”
Intoxicated Man Arrested at Loaves and Fishes
A 47 year old Brockville man was intoxicated and becoming aggressive with volunteers and patrons of Loaves and Fishes yesterday afternoon resulting in his arrest for Public Intoxication.
At approximately 5:20 p.m. Brockville Police received a panic alarm from Loaves and Fishes and responding officer located the male still inside. He was known to the officers and found to be well under the influence of alcohol. For the safety of all involved he was arrested for Public Intoxication and conveyed to the Brockville Police Ssation where he spent the night until sober. He was released with a Provincial Offences Notice in the morning.
Arrest Warrant Executed
A 21 year old Brockville man turned himself in at the Brockville Police Service early yesterday afternoon after learning he had an outstanding warrant for failing to attend for fingerprints.
On the 2nd of May the young man was charged for failing to notify the Brockville Police Service he had changed his address as per the conditions of his bail release and was released from custody with a condition that he attend the Brockville Police Service on May 25th to have his fingerprints taken. When he failed to show on that occasion a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He now faces charges of failing to appear for Idents and breach of his undertaking and will appear at future date in Brockville court.