Vancouver police are warning the public to beware of con artists, who are using the popular craigslist website to try and take advantage of people seeking an apartment to rent.

A scam artist promised this house in Surrey to half a dozen hopeful renters, then took off with their money.
(CBC)

Police said they have noticed a dramatic spike in the number of would-be renters who are being duped into putting deposits on rental units that either don't exist or are already rented.

"Unfortunately people are actually handing over money,'' Dep. Cpl. Jana McGuinness told a press conference in Vancouver Friday.

She said deposits ranging from $100 to $500 or more are being stolen by people pretending to be responsible for renting non-existent units.

Police said the con artists typically place an ad for shared accommodation on craigslist.

They then arrange to meet would-be renters, who are often persuaded to make a cash deposit without ever seeing the apartment they are supposed to be renting.

After collecting the cash, the con artist disappears.

In the last four weeks, police have received complaints from 15 people who have been duped.

Police are advising would-be renters to verify the address of any apartment that is supposedly available for rent.

They are also advised to view the apartment in person and make sure to deal with property managers before handing over any money.

McGuinness said craigslist is not to blame.

"It just happens to be that this is the medium that people are using to take advantage of others,'' she said.