Toronto: Two Indian-origin men are wanted by Canadian authorities for allegedly defrauding people of more than ₹2.6 million (approximately CAD 30,000) through a fake apartment rental scheme in Ontario. Investigators allege the suspects advertised rental properties on social media, showed prospective tenants an apartment, and collected advance payments after getting them to sign rental agreements online. When the victims later arrived to move into the property, they discovered it was unavailable and were unable to contact the purported landlord.
According to investigators, the alleged fraud was carried out in Mississauga, Ontario, between January and February 2025. Police said the suspects posted attractive apartment rental advertisements on social media and invited prospective tenants to inspect the properties. During the viewings, they allegedly posed as the current tenants or authorised representatives, convincing victims that the rental offers were genuine.
After gaining the victims’ trust, the suspects allegedly instructed them to complete rental agreements online and transfer advance deposits through electronic fund transfers to secure the apartments. Most of the victims made the payments electronically. However, after the transactions were completed, they neither received possession of the apartments nor recovered their money. Police have identified at least eight victims so far, with combined losses exceeding ₹2.6 million, and believe additional victims could come forward as the investigation progresses.
Investigators also found that the apartment used for the property viewings had been rented by the suspects through an online short-term rental platform. Police said the property was allegedly used solely to make the fraudulent rental scheme appear legitimate. Authorities clarified that the property’s actual owners are not considered suspects and have no known involvement in the case.
Canadian authorities have issued arrest warrants for 23-year-old Jashanpreet Sidhu of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and 24-year-old Priyanshu Goel of Surrey, British Columbia. Sidhu is wanted on charges of fraud over CAD 5,000 (approximately ₹4.3 lakh) and possession of property obtained by crime, while Goel faces a charge of fraud over CAD 5,000. Both suspects remain at large.
Police have urged people searching for rental accommodation online to verify the identity of property owners or authorised agents before making any advance payments. Authorities also advised prospective tenants not to sign rental agreements or transfer deposits solely on the basis of online communication without conducting adequate due diligence.
Investigators said rental frauds involving social media advertisements and digital payments continue to pose a growing risk to prospective tenants. Police have appealed to anyone with information related to the suspects or the alleged fraud, or who may have fallen victim to a similar scheme, to contact investigators as the case remains under investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
