A shadow fell over Toronto’s rental market as investigators began unraveling a sophisticated fraud scheme. Multiple individuals found themselves victims of a calculated deception, lured in by promises of apartments that simply didn’t exist.
Cem Devrim Turetken, a 49-year-old man now sought by Toronto Police, allegedly orchestrated the scam. Between November and February, he advertised apartments online, presenting himself as a legitimate landlord despite lacking any authorization to rent the properties.
Turetken didn’t operate under a single identity. He employed a network of aliases and shell companies, including Smart Rental Property Management Inc., based in Sudbury, and GTA Rentals, to mask his activities and evade detection.
The investigation suggests the scope of the fraud may be wider than initially believed. Authorities fear numerous other individuals may have fallen prey to Turetken’s deceptive tactics, unknowingly handing over funds for phantom rentals.
Police are urging anyone who believes they were victimized, or who possesses any information related to the case, to come forward. Contacting 52 Division directly at 416-808-5200 or utilizing the anonymous tip line at 416-222-TIPS (8477) could be crucial to the investigation.
To protect themselves from similar scams, potential renters are advised to exercise extreme caution. A thorough, in-person inspection of the property is paramount, verifying its existence and condition firsthand.
Double-checking the address against multiple sources is also vital, ensuring it isn’t falsely advertised elsewhere. And, crucially, avoid any payment method that lacks a clear paper trail – cash, wire transfers, and digital currencies like Bitcoin offer little recourse if fraud occurs.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by fraudsters and the importance of vigilance in today’s digital landscape. Remaining informed and proactive is the best defense against becoming another victim.
Following a legal process, Turetken was granted a conditional discharge and ordered to provide restitution to those he defrauded. He successfully completed his probationary period in December 2025.
