Los Angeles

LA Internet Rental Scam Suspect Arrested, Police Say

The LAPD issued a warning for people trying to find an affordable place to live, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."

A suspect who scammed a woman out of money to supposedly rent a place to live was arrested, police said Monday.

The victim responded to an internet ad listing a property for rent in Los Angeles this month and contacted the suspect, identified as Evan Weitzberg, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said Weitzberg used the name "John Cassab" in his dealings with the victim and asked her to sign a lease and wire money to a bank account to rent the property. The amount of money wired was not disclosed.

The victim believed the ad was genuine and wired the money, but later became suspicious and contacted the LAPD's Hollywood Division when she was asked to send more money to secure the rental, police said.

Detectives determined Weitzberg or an associate was posing as "Cassab" and he had no authority to rent the property.

Weitzberg was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and posted bail, police said.

The LAPD issued a warning for people trying to find an affordable place to live, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." They also warned everyone to be careful before wiring money in exchange for property or goods.

Anyone with information about this scam was asked to call LAPD Hollywood Burglary Detective Patrick Aluotto at 213-972-2929. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us