Scam Alert:
Fraudulent Calls / E-mails to Students
Important Safety Notice for Students
We’ve been alerted to recent scam activity targeting students in homestay programs across Canada. In some cases, scammers are impersonating host families using highly convincing messages, names, and profile photos that appear identical to legitimate contacts.
These fraudulent messages often create urgency and may ask for money through non-reversible methods such as wire transfers, or request that you make purchases on their behalf.
Please remember:
- Host families are not permitted to request money directly from students.
- All payments must be made through official program channels.
If you receive a suspicious request:
- Do not send money or share personal/financial information.
- Verify the request using your usual, trusted communication methods.
- Report the incident immediately to your program provider.
Your awareness is key to keeping our student community safe. If you have concerns, please contact help@canadahomestaynetwork.ca.
Please be advised that off-campus housing scams are a potential when searching for housing in any community. We would ask you to review the following information to ensure you are prepared to recognize fraudulent situations.
Local police remind residents to follow these tips before providing any personal information or funds online for a rental property:
- When searching for rentals, go to the address. Schedule a showing and confirm its availability.
- Request a lease/contract. Review it thoroughly.
- Complete open source searches on rental addresses to ensure it’s not a duplicate post.
- Do not send funds to strangers.
- Contact Equifax and TransUnion if you’ve provided sensitive information on applications.
- Go with your gut. If it seems fishy, it probably is.
If you would like to report a fraud or a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
If you have been the victim of a scam, meaning you have provided money or personal information to a fraudulent situation please contact your local police services.
Lindsay Police Service: non-emergency line 705-324-5252 or http://kawarthalakespolice.com/contact/online-crime-reporting/
Peterborough Police Service: non-emergency line at 705-876-1122 or http://www.peterboroughpolice.com/report/a-crime/
If the listing was posted through places4students.com please report this incident to OCH@flemingcollege.ca
For further information on how to avoid rental scams, please see the link below: