Fort McMurray Forum

Those in Fort McMurray on the hunt for a home, are advised, buyer beware.

The Fort McMurray Realtors Association issuing a warning after receiving a concerning call this week.

A local real estate agent had reported that one of her listings, which was on the MLS site, had been posted on Kijiji as a rent to own property with incorrect details including phone number.

The FMRA says this and other scams have been active in Alberta in the past, this one has recently been identified here in our region.

Wooden explains that a scammer will tell a prospective renter that they are unavailable to meet the in-person and proposes that funds be forwarded.

The 'owner' will, in turn, will make arrangements for someone to meet the renter at the property and hand over the keys, but no one shows up.

House hunters are advised that when using online classifieds websites, ensure all financial transactions take place locally and in person.