• Don’t send a deposit without seeing/visiting the property

The biggest flag is a request to send a deposit without seeing the place you are going to be living in. Even during covid, there are safe ways to visit a prospective rental property – which is still allowed under stay-at-home orders. If the property owner isn’t willing to work with you in this regard, that could be cause for concern.

If the landlord keeps making excuses as to why you can’t see the property or canceling all the time that’s a sign something is wrong.

• Ask the landlord for references

As a prospective renter, you can ask for a reference for a Landlord. This is somewhat unusual, but you can ask for the current (or most recent) tenant’s information to make an inquiry about the landlord — how quickly do they respond, are they approachable, etc.

• Keep records of all communication with landlords

Keep records of all communication with the landlord, whether it is through email, text message, etc. Also, keep copies of all banking documents both physical and electronic. It never hurts to be organized.

• Google the address and the person renting you the property

Many fraudsters take photos off the internet, as many of the properties involved in these frauds are currently for sale or were recently sold. There are sites (House Sigma) where you can see properties that have recently sold. If your potential rental is shown as a recently sold property, it may be a fraud.

 You should also search the name of the person on Google or Facebook. Others that have been scammed may have posted about their experiences.

• Trust your gut! The most important thing to remember is: if it sounds too go to be true it probably is.
• Always confirm your purchase- make sure you check your item(s) before giving money.
• Always meet in a safe and public place to conduct the transaction and if possible, never meet someone alone.
• If you are able, meet in a place that has cameras such as a police station or a Tim Hortons.
• Do your research. Use reputable buy/sell groups and look at the reviews, comments, and feedback other members have posted.
• When possible accept only cash. Any other form of payment could be fraudulent.
• You can always contact the police (non-emergency line 705-725-7025) if you believe something may be a scam.
• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center has all the latest updates on frauds and scams.

Online shopping can be convenient and easy, especially during COVID. However, there are ways to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft.

Tips to prevent porch parcel thefts (PDF)

It only takes seconds for a thief to steal your purse or wallet. A moment of distraction can cause you weeks of aggravation and stress. Follow our safety tips to reduce the risk of your property becoming a target

Protect your Purse (PDF)

Follow these tips to help keep your home safe, whether you’re away for vacation, or just for the day.

Home Security Tips (PDF)

What is CPTED

CPTED is an approach to planning and development that reduces opportunities for crime. Communities can all be made safer through the application of design principles that make it more difficult to carry out inappropriate activities.

Reduction in Crime and Fear through:

• Territoriality – fostering residents’ interaction, vigilance, and control over their neighbourhood
• Surveillance – maximizing the ability to spot suspicious people and activities
• Activity support – encouraging the intended use of public space by residents
• Hierarchy of space – identifying ownership by delineating private space from public space through real or symbolic boundaries
• Access control/target hardening – using physical barriers, security devices, and tamper-resistant materials to restrict entrance
• Environment – a design or location decision that takes into account the surrounding environment and minimizes the use of space by conflicting groups
• Image/Maintenance – ensuring that a building or area is clean, well-maintained, and graffiti-free

What are some CPTED tactics that can be applied to communities?

Neighbourhoods:

• minimize the number of entry and exit points on a block
• design roadways to discourage through-traffic
• maximize residents’ ability to view public spaces
• encourage residents’ use of public spaces
• provide appropriate lighting for streets, paths, alleys, and parks
• encourage residents to watch over each other

Houses:

• clearly delineate private property (e.g., yard, driveway, walkway) from public space (e.g., street, sidewalk) through shrubbery, alternate paving stone colour, and changes in grade
• provide unobstructed views of the surrounding area
• ensure entrances are visible and overlooked by a window
• avoid landscaping that may conceal offenders
• install bright security lights
• use solid-core exterior doors
• use solid door frames with proper strike plates

A navigational guidebook for caregivers and service providers.

Older Adults and the Justice System (PDF)