Rental Scams on Kijiji
Kijiji is Canada's largest classifieds platform, owned by Adevinta. The site is widely used for rental listings across all Canadian provinces. Like Craigslist in the US, Kijiji's open posting model means anyone can list a property without verification, making it a frequent target for rental scammers targeting Canadian renters.
Common Scam Types on Kijiji
Long-Distance Landlord Scams
Scammers claim to be living outside Canada (often citing work or missionary assignments abroad) and offer to mail keys once a deposit is received via e-Transfer or wire. They use stolen photos from legitimate listings and provide fake identification documents.
Interac e-Transfer Deposit Fraud
Because Interac e-Transfer is the most common payment method in Canada, scammers specifically request deposits via e-Transfer, which are often auto-deposited and extremely difficult to reverse once sent. Victims lose their deposits with no recourse.
Hijacked MLS Listings
Scammers copy listing details and photos from REALTOR.ca or MLS and repost them on Kijiji as rentals. The properties may actually be for sale, or the scammer may use a rental listing from a different platform under different contact information.
Student Housing Scams
International students arriving in Canada are frequent targets. Scammers post listings near universities at attractive prices, knowing that international students may need to arrange housing before arriving in the country and may not know local market rates.
Fake Landlord References
Scammers provide fake references and fabricated tenant agreements to appear legitimate. When victims call the references, they speak with accomplices who confirm the scammer's identity. The entire operation is orchestrated to build false trust.
Safety Tips for Kijiji
- ✓Never send an Interac e-Transfer for a rental deposit before viewing the property in person.
- ✓Verify property ownership through provincial land title offices (e.g., Ontario's Land Registry Office or BC's Land Title and Survey Authority).
- ✓Be extremely cautious of landlords who are overseas and cannot show the property.
- ✓Cross-reference the listing on REALTOR.ca to check if the property is actually for sale.
- ✓Meet the landlord in person at the property and ask to see ID matching the property ownership records.
- ✓If you are an international student, use your university's housing services as a starting point.
How to Report Scams on Kijiji
Report suspicious listings using the 'Report Ad' button on the listing page. File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Report a Scam →Kijiji Scam Risk Level
High RiskKijiji is rated as high risk for rental scams. The platform's open posting model and limited verification make it a frequent target for fraudsters. Exercise extreme caution and verify every listing independently before engaging.
Check a Kijiji Listing Now
Paste any rental listing from Kijiji and get an instant scam analysis — completely free.
Check a Listing