TORONTO, ON: The Toronto Police Service informed the public of an apartment rental fraud investigation. Vijayaranjan Indralingam, 43, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with 12 counts of Fraud Under $5,000.
It is alleged that Indralingam placed rental advertisements on Facebook Marketplace. The the unit advertised for rent was located at 30 Gilder Drive, in Scarborough. The victims corresponded with the man to discuss the property. Then he met the victims at the rental location.
The victims were shown the unit and the man advised he was the property owner. The victims agreed to the rental, and then sent a deposit via an electronic money transfer, cash, or a money order. Closer to the move-in date, the man made various excuses as to why the victims could not move in. He then no longer returned calls or messages
Police would like to remind the public:
- be mindful before signing any rental agreement and/or sending deposits
- rent through legitimate agents that can be thoroughly checked
- confirm with the building property owner that the unit is available for rent
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
