THE MATILDA'S Corner Police in St. Andrew have cracked what they believe is a massive fraud ring operated by a gang of men who advertise houses for rent and then fleece persons of thousands of dollars.
Yesterday a member of the gang was pointed out by a woman who was fleeced of $42,000. Speaking with The Gleaner, Corporal Evon Dell explained that the men, from time to time, would respond to the advertisement of expensive apartments for rent.
"They would then pay the rent by drawing a cheque in a large sum. The cheque would then be lodged to the account of the person renting the apartment. That person would then refund the difference," said Cpl. Dell.
The sub-officer said the men would only stay about a week in the apartment, before they advertise it for rent. At one stage up to four persons responded to the advertisement and each was conned of about $42,000.
One prominent case occurred on September 1, when about five persons responded to an advertisement relating to an expensive apartment at the Gallery Apartments for rent. They were fleeced of thousands of dollars.
Among some of the victims were a retired doctor who lost $50,000 and several other professionals. While some of the victims have refused to contest the matter in court, the police are asking persons who have been conned by people renting apartments to report to the Matilda's Corner Police Station or call 92-66517 or 978-6003.
"I also want to appeal to persons to be very careful when renting some of these apartments," said Cpl. Dell.
