Balmoral Street Police Station - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)

Police in Thunder Bay are warning residents about a rental scam making the rounds.

City police have received multiple reports of people being scammed out of deposits after responding to online postings.

The victims had been speaking to someone claiming to be a landlord and they e-transferred funds to a provided email for a deposit.

The supposed landlords would stop replying after receiving the alleged deposit.

At least two of those incidents involve a listed address on Franklin Street.

Users on social media have been warning people that this listing is a potential scam.

City police’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.

According to police, fraudsters will often try to get the victim to pay a deposit or move-in fee without allowing the victim to view the rental unit beforehand, and will likely have several excuses for why they are unable to meet in person.

They may also claim the listing is in high demand and there is a sense of urgency to act, with a deposit required immediately to secure the unit.

For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online or click here.