RCMP investigate Vancouver Island rental scam

West Shore RCMPislooking into two separatecases of rental fraud at the same homein Greater Victoria.

Police allege a male suspect collected cash deposits from would-be tenants after agreeing to rent out a residence on the 2800 block of Pickford Roadin Colwood.

When the victims of the fraudattempted to move in, they were informed by the real owner of the property that the residence was not available for rent and that they had been scammed.

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Police said the suspect usesthe alias Jason Leblancand had previously lived at the property. RCMP would like to speak withanyone else defraudedin a similar manner by someone who identifies himself as Jason Leblanc.

RCMP advise renters to protect themselves to avoid rental scams.

Officers say toonly usea reputable rental website and to searchthe residence's address on the Internet to see if anything suspicious pops up.

The police sayrenters should also never provide personal financial information and should avoid paying in cash or through wire transfers, which are difficult to trace.