Orgin Article: https://www.thecragandcanyon.ca/news/local-news/facebook-scammers-operating-false-canmore-rental-properties
By: Marie Conboy
Published Oct 17, 2021 • Last updated Oct 18, 2021 • 2 minute read
Article:
Canmore RCMP have identified a website called www.estatepartnersgroup.com as fraudulent, after they investigated multiple complaints of false advertised rental properties in Canmore.
Cpl. Shane Fletcher with Canmore RCMP Detachment said once victims are contacted, they are sent documents to complete falsified lease agreements, and asked for background check requests that appear legitimate.
Upon receipt of these documents, victims were asked to e-transfer, which may or may not include a damage deposit, and then the victims are not contacted again once the funds have been transferred,” said Fletcher.
One man, Benjamin Mawdsley, who recently fell victim to the online scammers said he and his girlfriend posted an ad on a few Bow Valley Facebook groups saying they were looking for accommodations.
“A woman then contacted me on Facebook a few days later saying they had a two bedroom apartment at in Silver Creek. Upon telling her that the price was way out of our budget, they said one of the rooms in the unit was already taken and that we only had to pay half the amount. They then providing several beautiful photos, we thought we had won the lottery,” said Mawdsley.
Desperate to find a place, and super keen about on the offer, Mawdsley replied with an email saying he was interested.
“At 2 a.m. we received an email response from service@estatepartnersgroup.com asking us for copies of passports and background checks. Which we then sent.”
The victim said he thought it was weird when the ‘Offer to Lease’ and ‘Residential Lease’ was full of grammatical errors, and the only contact information provided by the landlord was an email address.
“What concerns me the most is that I have seen this person like and comment on many other peoples’ posts in several other groups on Facebook. People who are in the same boat as me, just trying to find a place to live. Not only that, it hurts the community,” said Mawdsley.
The RCMP are strongly urging the public to conduct thorough due diligence when using this website, and other rental websites, in order to confirm that these are legitimate properties for rent.
Rental scams impact real people, real families, and real communities — especially in tight markets like Canmore. When listings are misrepresented or ownership isn’t clear, trust breaks down fast. Staying informed, verifying ownership, and using platforms that check both guests and hosts helps protect everyone.
If you want safer rentals, clearer compliance, and verified stays, you can learn more here:
Better Guests
