UTICA, NY – On February 23, 2023, the Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division began investigating a Craigslist scam that victimized a local resident. The victim had paid over $1,700 in cash, believing it was a rental deposit, only to discover that the apartment was already occupied and the individual they had been in contact with had no ownership or managerial rights to the property.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Matthew Poirier of Utica, was apprehended by the Yorkville Police Department on Tuesday, after a weeks-long search. Poirier was then transported to the Utica Police Department, where he was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution when engaging in online transactions, particularly on websites like Craigslist. Consumers are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of rental properties and the individuals they are dealing with before providing any money or personal information.