Rental Scams Posted Online

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 2010-1730021/BW/(2)
July 1, 2010

Rental Scams Posted Online

Mount Vernon Police District – Police have encountered multiple occurrences of scams involving properties advertised for rent on Craig’s List. Typically, homes that are in the process of foreclosure are advertised as new rental property by scammers. The home is listed at an attractively low rent with no credit check required. When a victim agrees to rent the home, they are asked for a cash deposit. The suspect takes the cash is never seen again.

On June 21, Richard Armstrong, 29, of 8502 Brooks Street, in Washington D.C., was arrested for allegedly taking cash from a 38 year-old Alexandria-area woman, under the pretense of renting a residence in the 8400 block of Osman Drive.

On June 24, Christopher Stanley, 27, of 108 W. 3^rd Street in Frederick, Maryland, was arrested for allegedly taking cash from an undercover officer, under the pretense of renting a residence in the 5700 block of Ridge View Drive.

Fairfax County Police anticipate additional arrests and have traced similar scams to multiple locations, including Alexandria, Richmond, Washington D.C., Miami, and New York City.

Police remind citizens that cash arrangements are inherently risky and that a legitimate rental opportunity should involve a signed lease.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.