How can I report an attempt to commit fraud?

Question

I posted an ad on Craig's list looking for an apartment. I received a reply from someone claiming to have one for rent. They claimed to be living in the US, so they would be unable to show the apartment, but the sent photos of the place. I eventually got them to give an address and I was told to feel free to go and look at the outside and the area where it was situated. They also sent me a rental agreement form to fill out. They were asking for first/last months rent. When I went to look at the address they provided I found a run down home that was already occupied. I have since cut of communications, and didn't lose any money, but I'm concerned that this may happen to someone else and I'd like to report it to save someone else being defrauded. This occurred in Ontario, Canada, so I would like to know who to contact to report it.

Answer 1

Most of us landlords have received an email saying they have decided our rental.  They are sending a cashiers check for the rent ; would i please return any extra money after i have deducted any deposits and rent. Of course, their check is accepted by the bank but i get a letter 30 days later that it was a forged check and i have to return the money.  

Tell the City Attorney and the State's Attorney General. We are only going to get help when Microsoft helps us track them down thru their computer.

Answer 2

The police deal with ALL crime.  The police force in the area will know how and where to direct your complaint.

Answer 3

Canada, eh? Call the Mounties.

Answer 4

You can report all the information you have at

www.scamwarners.com

Did you report it to craigslist?  I'm not sure if they have an area for that but you could check.

Answer 5

If you think a crime is being committed, you should contact the police.  But I'm pretty sure they're going to ask you what the fraud was, and from your post I don't understand what was fraudulent.  

Are you saying that the address they gave you did not match the property shown in the pictures?  Or were they asking you to send money without telling you where it was?

There might be a simple explanation:  For example,  the place currently occupied, but that tenant is moving out at the end of the month.  The pictures are of the right house, but they're older pictures from when the paint was new, etc.