Detectives Investigate Identity Theft/Rental Scam Suspect NR20041jc

Hollywood: Detectives from the
Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division are
investigating an identity theft suspect who may be linked to rental
scams throughout the city.

On February 12, 2020, detectives arrested Courtney Lane Joseph from
Inglewood for identity theft. Ms. Joseph was attempting to use a
victim’s social security number to obtain credit authorization for
an apartment rental in the Hollywood area. Detectives believe
Joseph planned to rent apartments with the victim’s information
with the intention to sublease to unsuspecting people. Ms. Joseph
would then be able to collect the rent up-front from victims who
would have no knowledge of the scam. By renting the apartment with
the identity theft victim’s information, Joseph would be able to
escape financial culpability if she were to default on rental
payments, passing the negative credit entry to the victim.

Detectives are seeking additional victims connected to Ms.
Joseph.

Courtney Lane Joseph

Additional victims or anyone with information is urged to call
Hollywood Burglary Detective Patrick Aluotto at (213) 972-2929.
During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed
to 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. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.