The answer

No single sign proves fraud, but stop for a remote-only landlord, copied or inconsistent photos, unusually low rent, pressure to pay before viewing, refusal to prove authority, unusual e-transfer or cryptocurrency instructions, rushed identity requests, conflicting address or unit facts, unavailable access, or a payee that does not match the agreement. Independently verify the property, advertiser authority, viewing, agreement and payment path.

Calgary-specific context

Calgary Police has reported fictitious listings where multiple prospective tenants sent deposits before a scheduled showing.

What to do next

Do not send a holding deposit or sensitive identity file until the person, property, authority and payee are controlled.

Related guides

Identity, title, deposit, wire, listing, rental, signing, and incident-response guideCalgary Real Estate Fraud and Scam ProtectionA source-linked Calgary fraud-safety system for buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, homeowners, investors, families, and remote clients. Prevent or respond to impersonation, changed deposit or wire instructions, fake listings, rental deposits, title and mortgage fraud, straw-buyer pressure, identity theft, account compromise, remote-signing manipulation, unsafe access, foreclosure rescue and recovery scams through trusted verification, evidence preservation, rapid financial response, qualified legal advice, police and official reporting, credit protection, and transaction fallbacks.Decision playbookCalgary Real Estate Fraud Safety and Incident-Response PlaybookCalgary Real Estate Fraud Safety and Incident-Response Playbook for Calgary buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, homeowners, investors, families, seniors, remote clients, and transaction participants preventing or responding to identity, money, title, listing, access, signing, or recovery fraud: Choose prevent, stop, independently verify, freeze or recall funds, secure accounts and devices, notify trusted professionals, preserve evidence, report, obtain legal advice, monitor, revise the transaction, protect physical safety, or refuse further contact.Interactive toolCalgary Real Estate Fraud Safety and Incident PlannerSeparate prevention, suspicious contact, attempted fraud, completed payment, identity exposure, unauthorized title or credit activity, and immediate safety emergencies; then build the fastest trusted response without sharing secrets.

Verify before relying

Official sources for this topic

These sources explain the rules and records relevant to this topic. Check the current requirements for your property.

RECA deposit fraud warningCurrent regulator warning to independently verify unexpected or changed real estate deposit instructions through trusted channels.RECA ProCheckOfficial public lookup for the licensing status and authorization of Alberta real estate, mortgage, property-management, and condominium-management professionals.RECA consumer informationAlberta real estate consumer guidance.Canada fraud and scam protectionCurrent federal fraud, identity theft, online threat, real estate fraud, reporting, and financial-information protection hub.Canadian Anti-Fraud CentreOfficial national fraud and identity-theft intelligence, prevention, victim-response, and reporting hub.Alberta mortgage fraud and foreclosure scamsOfficial Alberta warning about foreclosure rescue schemes, title-transfer pressure, upfront fees, and mortgage fraud reporting.Alberta Special Investigations UnitOfficial Alberta registry and Land Titles fraud investigation mandate and contact pathway.Alberta Land Titles assurance claimsOfficial Alberta information about complex claims involving registered interests lost through registrar error or fraudulent Land Titles activity.Alberta land title overviewCurrent official Alberta explanation of title ownership and registered mortgages, caveats, liens, and other interests.FINTRAC real estate identity verificationCurrent real-estate-sector identity-verification triggers for clients and people or entities providing funds.FINTRAC identity and source-of-funds methodsCurrent federal identity methods and definitions distinguishing source of funds, source of wealth, and transfer origin.FCAC credit report fraud checksCurrent federal guidance for detecting identity fraud, correcting credit-report errors, fraud alerts, and monitoring.Calgary Police rental scam warningCalgary Police warning about fake rental listings, advance deposits, authority verification, property viewing, and reporting.Law Society of Alberta lawyer directoryOfficial Alberta directory for checking lawyer status and searching by location, practice area, language, and other criteria.

Check the current information at the linked source. Ask the appropriate professional how it applies to your property.

Important

This is general information, not legal advice. Speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific situation.

RELATED GUIDES / Suites & fourplexes

Check rental income and whether the use is permitted.

Separate advertised rent from signed leases and lawful use. Verify suite records, occupancy, insurance, financing, expenses and tenancy obligations; test a vacancy and repair scenario before relying on projected cash flow.

Official verification: City of Calgary secondary suites ↗

Affiliated network resources provide context. Confirm rules, approvals and property records with the responsible authority.