The Toronto Renter’s Scam-Proof Checklist (Free)

The six red flags

The lister won't meet or do a live video viewing

“I’m overseas / on an oil rig” is a classic tell. No keys without a real viewing.

They want an e-transfer or deposit before you’ve seen it

Never send money to hold a unit you haven’t verified. This is how almost every loss happens.

The price is well below everything else nearby

Bait pricing harvests deposits. Compare against the neighbourhood median (we show it on every rent page).

The photos appear elsewhere online

Reverse-image-search the photos. Cloned real listings are reposted with a fake contact.

No licensed brokerage or agent is named

A real MLS® listing traces to a licensed real estate brokerage. “GTA Rentals”-style classifieds posts often don’t.

Pressure to act “today” before signing or paying

Urgency is the scammer’s tool. A real landlord can wait for a proper viewing and lease.