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More than a news website or weekly print newspaper, Shootin’ the Breeze is your community connection
More than a news website or print newspaper, Shootin’ the Breeze is your community connection
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Rental scam affects Pincher Creek

Rental scam affects Pincher Creek
By Laurie Tritschler
By Laurie Tritschler
Shootin’ the Breeze Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – Shootin’ the Breeze
Shootin’ the Breeze Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – Shootin’ the Breeze
November 24, 2022
November 24, 2022
RCMP looking for online scammer after Pincher Creek homes listed as fake rentals
RCMP looking for online scammer after Pincher Creek homes listed as fake rentals
IMAGE: Canva
IMAGE: Canva

Mounties are investigating an alleged rental fraud after a Pincher Creek homeowner found her home was listed on a rental website without permission. 

The homeowner phoned police in early November, after multiple people turned up at her address, wanting to view the property. One hopeful renter reportedly put down a damage deposit through an online money transfer.

Investigators later found at least two other area homes were being advertised on the website without their owners’ permission, according to Const. Brooke Riding, investigating officer at Pincher Creek RCMP. 

“We think this has been happening for months prior to that,” she told Shootin’ the Breeze.

 

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Riding declined to name the website, explaining that police don’t believe its operators had been involved. The website has since removed all three suspicious listings, Sgt. Ryan Hodge said.

Riding declined to say if police have identified any suspects, citing the need to protect the detachment’s ongoing investigation.

Rental frauds rely on people’s willingness to send unseen landlords money online, something Riding strongly advises against. 

Carefully research a rental property to make sure it’s legitimate, and always insist on viewing a rental before agreeing to send any money, she suggests.

Anyone with knowledge of the alleged fraud is encouraged to call Pincher Creek RCMP’s non-emergency line at 403-627-6010, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

 

Christmas ad for Osa Remedy'sRx in Pincher Creek

 

 

 

 

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Shootin’ the Breeze is a member in good standing of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association and News Media Canada. The Breeze receives funding through the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative and the Aid to Publishers program.

Mounties are investigating an alleged rental fraud after a Pincher Creek homeowner found her home was listed on a rental website without permission. 

The homeowner phoned police in early November, after multiple people turned up at her address, wanting to view the property. One hopeful renter reportedly put down a damage deposit through an online money transfer.

Investigators later found at least two other area homes were being advertised on the website without their owners’ permission, according to Const. Brooke Riding, investigating officer at Pincher Creek RCMP. 

“We think this has been happening for months prior to that,” she told Shootin’ the Breeze.

 

White car surrounded by auto parts on Pincher Creek Bumper to Bumper ad

Riding declined to name the website, explaining that police don’t believe its operators had been involved. The website has since removed all three suspicious listings, Sgt. Ryan Hodge said.

Riding declined to say if police have identified any suspects, citing the need to protect the detachment’s ongoing investigation.

Rental frauds rely on people’s willingness to send unseen landlords money online, something Riding strongly advises against. 

Carefully research a rental property to make sure it’s legitimate, and always insist on viewing a rental before agreeing to send any money, she suggests.

Anyone with knowledge of the alleged fraud is encouraged to call Pincher Creek RCMP’s non-emergency line at 403-627-6010, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

 

Water Heaters with red & green Christmas bow on ad for water heater specials at Chief Mountain Gas Co-op in Pincher Creek

 

 

 

 

Breeze news shown on newspaper, cell phone, computer screen and tablet

Breeze stories highlight the people, events, businesses, organizations and news in Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding area.

ADVENTURE  •  ARTS & CULTURE  •  BEYOND LOCAL  •  BUSINESS  •  CHILDREN & YOUTH  •  CIVIC & GOVERNMENT NEWS  •  COLUMNS & OPINIONS  •  COMMUNITY  •  EDUCATION  •  ENTERTAINMENT  •  ENVIRONMENT  •  EVENTS  •  HEALTH & WELLNESS  •  HISTORY & HERITAGE  •  OBITUARIES  •  OPPORTUNITIES  •  ORGANIZATIONS & GROUPS  •  PET TALES  •  RCMP & EMERGENCY SERVICES  •  RELIGION & WORSHIP  •  RURAL LIFE  •  SENIORS  •  SPECIAL DAYS  •  SPORTS  •  WEATHER

 

 

Invitation to submit ideas for Breeze stories

 

We encourage our readers to share ideas for Breeze stories relevant to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and area, and welcome submissions too!

Story Suggestion

 

Word logo for Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association  Word Logo for News Media Canada   Government of Canada wordmark

Shootin’ the Breeze is a member in good standing of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association and News Media Canada. The Breeze receives funding through the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative and the Aid to Publishers program.

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