How to Spot a Craigslist Rental Scam in North or West Vancouver
It’s not uncommon for renters to come across listings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace that seem too good to be true—because often, they are. One common scam in North Vancouver and West Vancouver involves fake rental listings using stolen images from the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service). These scams can trick hopeful renters into sending money for properties that are not actually available.
If you’re searching for a rental in the area, here’s how to recognize and avoid fraudulent listings before it’s too late.
What Do Craigslist Rental Scams Look Like?
Fraudulent rental listings often appear incredibly professional. Scammers will copy real MLS® photos and property descriptions from active for-sale or recently sold listings and repost them as rentals, often at very attractive prices. These fake listings are designed to draw in tenants quickly by offering a great home in a desirable neighbourhood—usually at a rate well below market value.
The scammer might say they're out of town and can't show the property, ask you to fill out a fake application, or even request a deposit or first month’s rent to “hold” the place. Once they get your money, they disappear.
Signs a North or West Vancouver Rental Listing Might Be a Scam
- The photos look professionally shot or have MLS® watermarks
- The price is far below typical rents in the area
- The listing is vague about the exact address
- You’re asked to pay an application fee, security deposit, or first month’s rent before seeing the property
- The poster claims to be out of town or unavailable to show the home in person
- Communication is rushed or uses strange phrasing and urgency
How to Protect Yourself
While there’s no foolproof way to avoid scams entirely, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself when searching for rentals in North Vancouver or West Vancouver:
- Search the images. If you suspect the listing might be fake, do a reverse image search of the photos. If they appear in an MLS® listing or multiple other listings, that’s a major red flag.
- Look for the property on the MLS®. Many scammers pull listings directly from the MLS®. If you find the property for sale on our MLS® search tool, it’s likely not available for rent.
- Don’t send money before viewing. Consider avoiding any rental where you’re asked to pay application fees, deposits, or rent before seeing the home in person or speaking directly with a verified property manager or agent.
- Ask questions. Be cautious of landlords who are reluctant to answer basic questions or avoid providing clear lease terms, proof of ownership, or local contact information.
Think You’ve Found a Fake Rental?
If you’ve come across a rental listing in North or West Vancouver that uses MLS® photos or just doesn’t seem right, try to verify it by contacting the listing agent directly. If you're not sure how to find the agent’s information, reach out to our team and we can see if we can help.
Need Help Navigating the Rental Market?
As demand for housing continues to rise, so does the creativity of scammers. Rental fraud is a serious risk, particularly in high-demand areas like North Vancouver and West Vancouver where desirable properties are scarce and competition is high. Staying alert, asking questions, and doing a bit of homework—like searching the images or confirming listings through trusted sources—can go a long way in protecting yourself.
Working with a professional rental agent or licensed REALTOR® can also help you navigate the market with confidence. Professionals have access to up-to-date MLS® data, knowledge of local rental trends, and can help verify legitimate opportunities. If you're unsure where to begin, our team can connect you with trusted local property managers who specialize in helping tenants find secure, legal rentals.
If you’ve spotted a suspicious listing or want guidance on how to rent (or buy) safely in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, get in touch with us. We’re here to help you avoid costly mistakes—and find the right home, the right way.