Rental scams cost Canadians
millions every year.
Here's what SQRFT will and will not do — read this once and you'll instantly recognize a scam.
SQRFT will never
Process rent payments
Rent goes directly from tenant to landlord — through your bank, e-Transfer to your landlord's verified email, or in-person. If anyone claims to be SQRFT and asks you to send rent through us, it's a scam.
Ask for your credit card details outside your account
The only place SQRFT will ever ask for card info is inside your Account Settings page on sqrft.ca. We will never text, email, or call asking you to "confirm" your card.
Send an SMS with a link to "verify" or "confirm"
SQRFT sends text messages only for one-time login codes (OTPs) — never with clickable links. If you get an SMS with a link claiming to be SQRFT, don't click it.
Ask for your OTP code, password, or bank credentials
SQRFT staff will never ask for your one-time passcode, your password, your bank login, or your SIN. Anyone asking is trying to take over your account.
Threaten immediate account suspension unless you click a link
Real account notices from SQRFT come with time to review. Anyone rushing you with "click within 24 hours or your account is closed" is trying to panic you into a scam site.
Email you from an address other than @sqrft.ca
All official SQRFT emails come from an address ending in @sqrft.ca. Look-alike domains (like @sqrft-support.com or @sqfrt.ca) are not us.
If you see any of the above — it's a scam. Forward the message to [email protected] and we'll investigate.
How to verify you're on the real SQRFT
The URL bar shows sqrft.ca (or an official subdomain: admin.sqrft.ca, docsign.sqrft.ca, media.sqrft.ca)
You see the HTTPS lock icon next to the URL
Your bookmarked SQRFT link works — always use the bookmark, never a link from a message
You reached the page by typing sqrft.ca directly or through your bookmark
Bookmark sqrft.ca right now.
Bookmarks bypass phishing links. Type the URL once, save it, and always use the bookmark to reach SQRFT. If a link in an email or SMS looks even a little off, use your bookmark instead of clicking.
Common signs of a rental scam
If any of these apply to a landlord, listing, or message you've received — stop, don't pay, and report it.
Asked to send rent, deposit, or fees to a personal email or bank account you can't verify
Asked to pay in cryptocurrency, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, Wire Transfer, or Western Union
Landlord refuses to view the property in person or by verified video call
Listing photos look professional but the price is 30%+ below market
Told the landlord is "out of the country" and you must pay to "hold" the unit
URL looks slightly off — sqfrt.ca, sqrft-secure.com, sqrftsupport.co, etc.
Saw something suspicious?
Forward the email, SMS, or link to us. We investigate every report and coordinate takedowns of phishing sites and scam listings.
Report to [email protected]For security researchers: see our security.txt for responsible disclosure.
Read more about safe renting in Canada: