Police are investigating two incidents that left two local couples in a search of an apartment in Linden with almost $5,000 in security deposit money lost.
Sunday, police took two reports from a Linden couple and an Elizabeth couple who were scammed out of nearly $5,000 in cash, collectively, after responding to an ad for a Linden apartment.
In the first incident, the Elizabeth couple, the man, 30, and the woman, 27, paid $2,650 cash for two months rent and a lease agreement for an apartment on Cedar Avenue to a man named “Marcos”.
When they went to move in today with the key they were given, it did not work. When they went to call Marcos, they were unable to make contact with him. Officers were able to contact the property owner who stated he did not offer any apartment for rent.
While at the scene, officers were approached by a second couple from Linden, who told them that they signed a lease agreement and paid $2,200 in cash as a security deposit for the same apartment that they found on Craigslist.
According to the Linden couple, they met with a woman earlier this month named “Mirna” who took their money and had them sign a lease agreement.
Detectives are investigating both incidents.
Police warn residents to be cautious of this scam where cash deposits are requested up front before inspecting the property and prospective tenants should ask to see documentation that the landlord is the actual owner of the property (for example a tax bill or utility receipt).
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective David Kother at 908-474-8556.