Detectives Arrest Internet Rental Scammer NR19224ml

Hollywood: Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Burglary Detectives announce the arrest of Evan Weitzberg for Grand Theft by Trickery.

In August, 2019, a victim responded to an internet advertisement listing a property for rent in Los Angeles. The victim was contacted by a suspect who masqueraded as “John Cassab”.

This suspect asked the victim to sign a lease and wire money to a bank account to rent a property. Believing the advertisement was genuine, the victim wired money to the account.

When “Cassab”, contacted the victim asking for additional money to secure the rental, she became suspicious and sought assistance from LAPD’s Hollywood Division.

Hollywood Division personnel determined Weitzberg or an associate was posing as “John Cassab” and that he had no authority to rent the property.

Weitzberg was arrested for 487(a)PC, grand theft and posted bail.

The Los Angeles Police Department recognizes that locating affordable housing is challenging. Residents are urged to follow the “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is” rule, and be careful before wiring any money in exchange for property or goods.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hollywood Burglary Detective Patrick Aluotto at (213) 972-2929, or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.