A 36-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly used bogus lease agreements to steal thousands of dollars from prospective tenants.
Police say the man placed advertisements for rental properties on KIJIJI and Craigslist.
When victims expressed interest in renting the units, the man asked for first and last months' rent as a down payment and had them sign a lease.
On several occasions, he then rented the same unit to another unwitting victim.
"In one case someone had rented a unit one day and saw the ad back up the very next day, so they filed a complaint with us," Constable Michael Thomas told CP24.com.
The man was the owner of at least two of the five properties involved in the scam and had given each victim a tour before requesting money.
On many occasions he rented the units as early as three months before the occupancy date at discount rates.
"Like anything else it is buyer beware," Thomas said. "If a deal looks too good to be true it usually is and that was the case here."
Dale Delano Lyn was arrested August 5 and is charged with four counts of fraud.
Thomas said police have tied Lyn to 12 different victims so far and believe more may be out there.
If you have viewed any of the following apartments you are asked to contact 32 Division at (416) 808-3206 :
- 4968 Yonge Street, Apt #1112
- 100 Harrison Garden Blvd , Apt #212
- 215 Fort York Blvd, Apt #1006
- 2121 Lakeshore Blvd W. Apt #214
- 78 Lee Center Drive, Apt #1703
