Is this a Scam?

[the_man]

So I posted a rental suite up on Kijiji and I got a call from a gentleman basically offering to email transfer me the damage deposit if i get him more photos.

He says he's working shift work in BC (I've put in call to the companies he's quoted to see if he is an employee, they are getting back to me) and he needs a place in Calgary to host his daugters every couple weeks.

He says he won't be back to Calgary until the 26th to see it in person.

I'm new to the rental game, so does this sound scammy? or is it legit?

[LadyLuck]

Scam.

[-relk-]

I don't know if it is a scam or not, I would be skeptical though. The email transfer thing seems a bit fishy to me, just wait till you meet with him on the 26th (if that actually happens).

I don't see how him giving you money that can't be bounced or faked could be a scam though

[EK 2.0]

Originally posted by LadyLuck

Scam.

+1

[ercchry]

i doubt its a scam, try and get a rental in town right now, i dare you.

just make sure the emt email isnt a phishing email and actually directs you to your secured online banking site

[kvg]

If it doesn't feel right don't do it. I would tell him if it's available on the 26 he can see it, plus would you hold a place on a maybe even if you received the cash in person and miss out on potential renters

[CanmoreOrLess]

Hard to see how this is a scam. On the downside, you do not want to rent to someone you have not met and checked out, do you?

[EK 2.0]

Originally posted by kvg

If it doesn't feel right don't do it.

This is why I side with it being a scam. If it felt right there would not be a post asking if it potentially could be a scam...

And I know the rental market is nuts right now...I know a few cats who are trying very hard to hook up a place currently. So there are renters out there, why bother with someone sight unseen when there are so many more "local" and looking...

[the_man]

I do have many other potential renters, but i like the fact that this guy is a shift worker in the field. He would live right below me so i definately prefer the privacy.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by EK 2.0
This is why I side with it being a scam. If it felt right there would not be a post asking if it potentially could be a scam...

This was my initial thought as well. But the scenario actually seems feasible. OP: If don't feel comfortable and feel you can rent it out to someone else without a problem then walk away. Just saves you potential issues.

With that said, if you feel it is something you don't want to pass up I'd say you can run with it... just remember to cover your bases and don't take his word for anything. It sounds like you're already on top of it contacting his employers, etc.

[ercchry]

if he cant get here, do a video conference with him, run everything you can on him. get a backup tenant too just in case, its only 10 days from now

[the_man]

is there a more secure way to recieve the money?

[ercchry]

nope, thats pretty damn secure. just make sure when you log in its actually a secure site (browser will tell you)

[The_1]

the market is super hot right now
you should hold off and pick your tenants

[the_man]

My only concern is possibly having the place empty in December and losing a months rent.

[max_boost]

Trust your gut.

[Mitsu3000gt]

If he email money transfers the money and you confirm it's in your account before doing anything, how would it be a scam? Can they somehow revoke an email money transfer? I didn't think you could.

[98type_r]

I've only ever revoked one where it hadn't been deposited yet. Pretty sure you can't revoke an email money transfer that's already been accepted and deposited.

[Stunt66]

You guys are too paranoid How does this sound like a scam? He's willing to email transfer money for more pics which is totally understandable. It's not like he's doing a one of those money transfers and asking for some money back. Just confirm the money is in your account and you have in writing that hes talking the place and you're all set.

Like you said the best tenant would be someone on shift work because its your own basement that you're renting out.

Calgary's rental market is really good now so if he doesn't check out forget him and find someone else, DO NOT JUST TAKE ANY TENANT OUT OF FEAR OF NOT HAVING SOMEONE FOR THE MONTH. I made this mistake the first time and got off pretty easy. If it's priced right you'll have no problem for december

[ercchry]

if you have people interested, tell them that you are doing all interviews on the sunday the 25th. see how many actually show up, after this let them know you will be picking a tenant by the 27th. on the 26th see this guy. choose the best that night. let them know the next day. done.