Conned Tenants At Elmhurst Apts.
Police are asking for the public’s assistance in tracking down a crook who swindled thousands of dollars in security deposits from prospective tenants during a rental scam perpetrated in Elmhurst late last year.
The crook is described by law enforcement sources as a Hispanic male in his 30s standing between 5’8″- and 5’10”-tall, weighing 150 lbs. and with dark hair.
According to the NYPD, each of the victims spotted a flyer posted on a utility pole advertising vacant apartments for rent which contained the suspect’s cell phone number. Reportedly, the victims contacted the suspect and made appointments to see the available units.
Soon after being shown the dwellings, law enforcement sources said, the perpetrator requested a security deposit to hold the apartment. Reportedly, the victims left deposits of between $1,400 and $2,300 with the suspect.
But each of the victims, police noted, were unable to contact the crook about moving into the residence; they later learned that his cell phone number had been disconnected.
Two of the thefts took place on Oct. 21, 2011, when the crook took $1,500 from a 32-year-old woman and $1,650 from a 27-year-old man for an apartment located on 42nd Avenue near 94th Street, according to authorities.
Law enforcement sources said the scammer swiped a $1,600 security deposit left by a 28-year-old man for an apartment on Denman Street near Lamont Avenue on Nov. 12, 2011.
Later that month, police sources noted, the crook received security payments of $1,400 from a 43-yearold woman, $1,500 from a 28-yearold man and $2,300 from a female victim for the same apartment on 40th Road near Warren Street between Nov. 25 and Nov. 29.
Each of the incidents were remazi. ported to the 110th Precinct. The investigation by the 110th Precinct Detective Squad is ongoing.
Anyone with any information regarding the scam or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to call the 110th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-476-9303 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Information may also be sent to Crime Stoppers by text message to 274637 (enter tips, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.
