Brampton, July 21: A 27-year-old Brampton woman has been charged with 39 criminal offences following an investigation into an alleged rental fraud scheme that police say left 17 prospective tenants without housing and caused financial losses exceeding $60,000.
According to Peel Regional Police, the alleged fraud occurred between May 2025 and February 2026, during which rental properties, including basement apartments, were advertised on various social media platforms.
Police allege that prospective tenants signed rental agreements and paid deposits covering the first and last month’s rent. However, when they arrived to move into the advertised properties, they discovered that the accommodations were not available.
Investigators say many victims had already vacated their previous residences before realizing they had been defrauded, leaving them without both housing and their deposited funds.
Police identified 17 victims, whose combined financial losses are estimated to exceed $60,000.
“None of the victims received the promised accommodations or had their money returned,” Peel Regional Police said in a news release.
On July 13, police arrested Savreet Kaur, 27, of Brampton. She has been charged with:
- 38 counts of Fraud Over $5,000, and
- One count of Obstructing Police.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Following her arrest, the accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Peel Regional Police are urging residents searching for rental accommodations to exercise caution, particularly when dealing with listings on social media platforms.
Investigators recommend that prospective tenants verify property ownership, inspect rental units in person whenever possible, avoid making payments before confirming the legitimacy of a listing, and use secure payment methods.
Police also encourage the public to consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for information on recognizing and preventing rental scams.
The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are asking anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been affected by the alleged scheme to contact Peel Regional Police.
As with all criminal proceedings in Canada, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.