ONTARIO’S Peel Regional Police investigators with the Fraud Bureau are seeking two suspects in connection with an apartment rental fraud scheme that allegedly victimized multiple individuals in Mississauga.
Between January and February, the suspects allegedly advertised apartment rental opportunities on social media. Victims attended an apartment, met individuals who falsely claimed to be the current tenants, and signed rental agreements online. Victims then sent money by e-transfer to secure the rental unit. When they arrived to take occupancy, they discovered the unit was unavailable and the individual posing as the landlord could no longer be contacted.
Investigators have identified at least eight victims with combined financial losses exceeding $30,000. None of the victims received the promised accommodations or had their money returned.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of:
* Jashanpreet Sidhu, 23, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan:
– Fraud over $5,000
– Possession of property obtained by crime
* Priyanshu Goel, 24, of Surrey, B.C.:
– Fraud over $5,000
Members of the public are encouraged to exercise caution when searching for rental accommodations online. Always verify the identity of prospective property owners. Do not be pressured into signing rental agreements online or forwarding cash deposits without first conducting sufficient due diligence. For more information on fraud prevention, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact investigators with the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335.
