A single mother of four said she fell for a rental scam, orchestrated via the internet website craigslist, even though she thought she was being careful by asking the landlord for credentials.

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

Millie Ababio, who came to Canada from Ghana, West Africa, five years ago, told CBC News that an advertisement on craigslist about a four-bedroom home for rent in Surrey appeared legitimate.

She said she borrowed $1,800 for one month's rent and damage deposit and gave the money to a man who claimed to be the owner of the home.

But the man she thought was the owner of the house turned out to be a scam artist who pocketed Ababio's money and took thousands of dollars in deposits from another half a dozen hopeful renters, according to Surrey RCMP. Each was told they were getting the house.

"These people are struggling to make ends meet and then you take the money from them and run away. You leave them stranded. He's a coward," Ababio said on Tuesday.

Millie Ababio and her four children were hoping to move from their basement suite into a house.
(CBC)

Ababio said she is struggling to recover from the ripoff.

"My friends are letting me move in but only temporary," she said.

The scam artist and his girlfriend appear to have sublet the home for two weeks from the unsuspecting real owner who's living in Toronto, Surrey RCMP said.

Police said renters should be wary of landlords who demand cash up front instead of a cheque and should ask for credentials. But Ababio said she did that and still got scammed.

Police said they are still looking for the con man and his girlfriend.