Dear Editor:
I was almost a victim of a scam for people looking to sublet their house, room, or apartment.
I recently put my room up on Fredericton Student Housing to sublet it for the summer while I am not here. I got a response from someone outside the country who claimed they were going to be on sabbatical for May-August in this area and was interested in my house. After exchanging many e-mails, we decided on a price and payment plan. She said the company she worked for would pay for it and I should expect a check in the mail. I was instructed that when the check arrived, I was to take out first and last months rent, and transfer the remaining funds through Western Union to her travel agent.
When the check came in the mail, I did just that. When I got to my bank they told me the check was fraudulent. The manager called the bank on the check and they also confirmed that it was fraudulent. The check was $3800. If I had cashed it and made the transfer, it would have been my responsibility to come up with that amount of money to pay back.
I went to the police and filed a report, like the bank manager had suggested. I was told that this happens often but not much can be done because it is outside the country. I thought that since many students, like myself, are looking to sublet their place, they should be weary of people they can’t meet face to face.
I was told by the person who was interested in my room that she got my ad off the UNB student housing website. I am assuming that I am not the only student being targeted, so students should beware of this scam so that they do not come up short-handed.
I was convinced that this person was reputable. We exchanged dozens of e-mails. Thankfully, the bank was aware of this scam and informed me right away.
Thank you for your time,
Kayla Lam
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