Gwinnett County police say a couple is using Craigslist to scam would-be house renters out of their hard-earned cash. The suspects are still on the loose and likely still posting ads seeking renters, police said.
“We are hoping people who think they’re victims will call,” police spokeswoman Michele Pihera said.
Rent fraud has become more common with Internet access and is not new to metro Atlanta.
The suspects use the Internet to find vacant home listings, using the information along with the photos to create their own advertisement on Craigslist. Police say the couple has stolen more than $7,000.
“The homes appeared very affordable, and the suspects advertised ‘No Credit Check,’” Pihera said in a news release. “The victims would contact the suspects to arrange for a viewing of the home.”
Police identified one suspect as Julius Ball, 30, of Decatur, who had been jailed in Newnan on similar scam charges, but he has since bonded out, Pihera said. Police are seeking him and his girlfriend, whose real name has yet to be determined.
“She uses aliases on social media, such as Camilla Jones, Melissa Hyatt and Star,” Pihera said.
“We don’t believe any of those are her real names, but the lead investigator is trying to confirm her real name and we’ll release it when he does,” Pihera said.
Investigators in Newnan City and in Cobb and Fulton counties have cases involving these suspects, Pihera said.
Three victims came forward in December with similar stories about meeting with a woman outside the property and paying a cash deposit for a key. In some cases, the victims moved belongings into the house before discovering another leasing company was responsible for the property.
If you or someone you know has been victimized by this scam, contact the Electronic and Financial Crimes Unit at 770 513-5300.
If you have any information relevant to the case or the whereabouts of the suspects and you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case Numbers: 15-114776, 15-113602, 15-111312
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