WARNING: Scammer booked my Airbnb and is using it to scam long-term renters — Toronto hosts and renters need to know this
I am absolutely fuming right now and need people to know this is happening.
I’m an Airbnb host in Toronto. Someone booked my condo, and I just found out they turned around and posted it on Facebook Marketplace as a long-term rental. They have been holding VIEWINGS in my unit. Collecting deposits from people who think they’re about to sign a lease. Those people are going to show up with their boxes and their first month’s rent and there will be nobody there.
I feel sick. My home is being used to steal from people.
If you are apartment hunting in Toronto right now, PLEASE. If someone shows you a furnished condo that looks like it could be a short-term rental, ask for proof they actually own or manage the property. If the price seems too good for the area, it probably is. Do not hand over a deposit until you have verified who you are dealing with.
And fellow Airbnb hosts — go search your address on Marketplace and Kijiji right now. Seriously. I never thought this would happen to me.
I’ve reported it to Airbnb and the police. Apparently this is a massive scam in Toronto and I had no idea. People are out here losing thousands. Just needed to get the word out.