Community Scam Alert NA09198ne

What:
News Conference (Seeking more possible victims)
 
When:
Friday, July 24, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Where:
Northeast Area Community Police Station  
3353 San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, Ca  90065

Who:
Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz, Commanding Officer, Operations Central Bureau
Captain William Murphy, Northeast Area Commanding Officer
Northeast Area Larceny Detectives

Why:
The Northeast Area (LAPD) detectives are investigating a crime in which two individuals were swindling residents in the Northeast Area of Los Angeles.  The suspects targeted the Hispanic community by placing flyers throughout the Northeast community.  The flyers, written in Spanish, advertised homes for rent.  The suspects arranged to meet with victims, presenting themselves as the legal owners of the residence.  The suspects then collected money in exchange for a promise to rent the home to the victims.  The victims later discovered the properties were foreclosed homes and the suspects had no connections to the properties.  

During the investigation detectives discovered the suspects to be in possession of evidence leading to additional victims possibly in other counties as well.  

Both suspects have been arrested and are out on bail awaiting trial.

Suspect photos will be displayed at the news conference.

Anyone with additional information or who was a victim should contact contact LAPD Northeast detectives at 213-847-4266.