Apartment landlord scammer arrested after bilking victims out of $48,000 in bogus deposits

Apartment Landlord Scammer Arrested After Bilking Victims Out of $48,000 in Bogus Deposits

by
September 23, 2023
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PERTH AMBOY, NJ – The Perth Amboy Police Department is alerting the community about an apartment rental scam that has defrauded multiple residents.

Eridelbi Placencia, a 32-year-old resident of Perth Amboy, is currently facing charges in connection with 12 incidents, which have resulted in the theft of approximately $48,000 from victims.

The scam involved Placencia posting fake apartment listings on Facebook Marketplace and distributing fraudulent flyers in local laundromats.

He then presented these fictitious apartments to potential renters, persuading them to pay deposits and/or the initial month’s rent. After receiving the payments, Placencia cut off all communication with the victims.

Placencia is facing Theft by Deception charges for 13 incidents reported to police from September 1, 2023, to September 21, 2023.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact Detective J. Harris at (732) 324-3812.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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