Craigslist scam in Covina unravels
Reporter Amanda Baumfeld will report tomorrow on a Craigslist scam in Covina that has some potential renters hopping mad.
Here's the top of her story as it stands:
COVINA - Stevan Ortiz and his girlfriend planned to move into a three-bedroom home on Calera Avenue Thursday.
The couple - expecting their second child in June - gave notice at their apartment in Baldwin Park, bought a washer and dryer and even made plans to pick up a dog.
But Tuesday afternoon, Ortiz, 22, discovered he was among a group of people who have been victims of a real estate fraud.
"We made so many plans," said Ortiz, who tried contacting the owner all weekend. "I had this in the back of my mind when I couldn't get a hold of him."
At least 12 families have filed complaints connected to the property located at 5441 N. Calera Avenue, said Detective Ted Williams, of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Each family gave first and last month rent, totaling $2,400, officials said.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
I was the victim of a Craigslist scam a few years back.
It was a personal ad.
lissieo46@yahoo.com - it is a scam. The apartment is still available. As I said also in my ad, the apt. is located on 375 South End Avenue New York, NY 10280.
Beware. Don't send money using western union or money gram.
Aaron, I wonder if you could give me more information on that Craiglist scam you mentioned? I was corresponding with that email address regarding an apartment. She hadn't made any weird requests for money yet, but I looked up the building she advertised and found it is all rental properties; no one owns an apartment there.