$60K apartment rental scam leads to charges for Brampton woman

Over a dozen victims were scammed out of some $60,000 in a fraud where they paid for apartment rentals with nothing in return, police say.

Peel Regional Police say the scams happened between May 2025 and February 2026 when potential renters replied to ads for rentals on multiple social media platforms.

The ads were for units like basement apartments, and investigators say at least 17 victims signed rental agreements and sent deposits for the first and last month’s rent.

But when the renters arrived at the properties they found the rentals were not available. Some of the victims had already moved out and came to the properties with their belongings in tow, police say.

The victims lost more than $60,000 in the frauds, police say.

On July 13, Peel police say a Brampton woman was arrested and charged.

Police say Savreet Kaur, 27, of Brampton, has been charged with eight counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of obstruct police.

Peel Regional Police say Savreet Kaur, 27, of Brampton, has been charged with eight counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of obstruct police. (Photo: PRP)

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice.

The incidents have police reminding members of the public to exercise caution when searching for rental properties via social media.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.

The City of Brampton introduced a landlord registration program in 2024, with some 3,984 licenses issued. The city has an online registry, which includes and interactive map which may assist renters in finding reputable landlords.

To see the city’s rental registry, click here.