Rental scams in Quebec — how to spot them

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, rental-related scams cost Canadians more than $8 million in 2024. In Quebec alone, housing committees receive on average 5-10 reports per week.

Most victims are international students, newcomers, and people in a hurry to find housing. Here's how not to be one of them.

The 6 most common scams in Quebec

1. The phantom landlord

How it works: a scammer copies a real listing (often from Centris or Kijiji), changes the contact info, and reposts it. When you reach out, they claim to be abroad ("I'm on assignment in Morocco / France") and ask for a deposit via wire transfer to "reserve" the place.

Typical loss: $1,200 to $2,500 (first month).

2. The fraudulent sublet

How it works: someone rents an AirBnB for 3-7 days, then "sublets" it to multiple victims simultaneously, collecting deposits from each. When you arrive with your furniture, you discover that 3 other people have also paid for the same place.

Typical loss: $1,000 to $3,000.

3. The illegal security deposit

How it works: the "landlord" demands 1-2 months of "security deposit" on top of first month's rent. In Quebec, this is strictly illegal. Either the scammer disappears with the money, or they keep the deposit even when you leave.

Typical loss: $1,000 to $2,000.

4. The too-good-to-be-true listing

How it works: a renovated 3-bedroom in the Plateau for $800/month (market is $1,500-$1,800). The goal is to grab your attention and push you to act fast. Once you've transferred the money, the listing disappears.

Typical loss: $800 to $1,500.

5. The fake OACIQ broker

How it works: someone presents themselves as a real-estate broker and demands "file fees" of $200-500 before the visit. In Quebec, brokers are paid by the landlord, never by the tenant. Verify the OACIQ number on the official registry.

Typical loss: $200 to $800.

6. The international student scam

How it works: targeted on international forums (Facebook, WeChat, WhatsApp). The "landlord" requires international transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram, crypto) arguing: "you're not in Canada yet, I need to secure the place". Once received, no more replies.

Typical loss: $1,500 to $5,000.

The 12 universal warning signs

If you see 3 or more of these signs in a listing, run:

1. 🚩 The price is 30% below market for the neighborhood
2. 🚩 The "landlord" refuses an in-person visit (or live video call)
3. 🚩 You're asked for a deposit before the visit
4. 🚩 You're asked for a security deposit (illegal in Quebec)
5. 🚩 The required payment method is Western Union, MoneyGram, crypto, or Interac transfer to an unknown email
6. 🚩 The listing has obvious spelling mistakes in French OR English (inconsistent)
7. 🚩 The photos come from Google Images (test: reverse image search)
8. 🚩 The landlord says they're abroad and need you to act fast
9. 🚩 There's emotional pressure ("5 other people interested, decide today")
10. 🚩 The listing refuses to give the exact address before payment
11. 🚩 The phone number doesn't have a Quebec area code (450, 514, 438, 579, 581, 819, 873, 367, 263, 354) or is a free VoIP number
12. 🚩 The "lease" is handwritten or isn't the official TAL form

5 proven verification techniques

Technique 1 — Reverse image search (30 seconds)

On Google Images: click the camera icon, paste the URL of a listing photo. If the same photo appears on Centris, Kijiji, or some random American site → stolen listing, it's a scam.

Technique 2 — Address verification (2 min)

On Google Maps Street View, go to the exact address. Compare the facade, civic number, surroundings with the listing photos. If the street doesn't exist or the facade doesn't match → scam.

Technique 3 — Search the name and email (5 min)

Type the "landlord's" name + the word "scam" on Google. Type their email. Often scammers reuse the same contact info and are already flagged on forums (Reddit r/Quebec, Kijiji forum, Facebook).

Technique 4 — Land registry check (cheap)

For $1 you can verify the real owner of a building on the Quebec Land Registry. If the name doesn't match the person contacting you, ask for explanations. A written mandate from the real owner is mandatory.

Technique 5 — In-person or live video visit

Never pay before a real visit. If the person refuses an in-person visit, demand a live video call (FaceTime, WhatsApp Video) where they show:

• The exterior of the building with the civic number
• The lobby and unit number
• All rooms in continuous video (no cuts)
• Their ID (briefly, readable from a distance)

If they make excuses ("my phone has no camera", "I'm on the metro"), end the conversation.

What to do if you're a victim?

Act fast. The longer you wait, the less chance of recovery.

1. Contact your bank immediately — if you made an Interac transfer or deposit, request a freeze and refund
2. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501
3. File a police report with municipal police (non-emergency number) with all written records, screenshots, conversations
4. Report the listing on the platform where you saw it
5. Report to your neighbourhood housing committee — they keep records and can warn other potential victims
6. Share publicly on Reddit r/Quebec, r/Montreal — your testimony will save others from falling in

How Coloka eliminates these risks

Coloka was built from the start with safety as a priority:

• ✅ Identity verification for every poster (phone, email)
• ✅ Human moderation of every listing before publication (24h max)
• ✅ Mandatory OACIQ verification for brokers
• ✅ Built-in messaging — never share your number before the visit
• ✅ Report button on every listing — response within 2h
• ✅ No payment on the platform — Coloka never touches your money, so no scammer can interpose
• ✅ Immediate banning of reported accounts

Resources and reporting

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — 1-888-495-8501
• OACIQ Registry — verify a real-estate broker
• Quebec Land Registry — verify a building's owner
• RCLALQ — housing committees, free assistance
• Our complete tenant's guide to Quebec

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. If you're a fraud victim, contact a lawyer or the services listed above.

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