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Man stole hopeful renters’ money: Cops

Man stole hopeful renters’ money: Cops
Image courtesy NYPD

ELMHURST — A fake Queens broker conned six people out of deposits for apartments that he never intended on renting, police said.

Cops are looking for the Hispanic male who took a total of nearly $10,000 in deposit checks late last year.

In each of the six incidents, hopeful renters called a number posted on a utility pole and set up an appointment to see a vacant apartment, police said.

After the man showed the vacant abodes, he asked for a deposit to hold the apartment, but when the victims called back to move in, the number was disconnected.

On Oct. 21, the man showed an apartment, at 94-17 42nd Ave., twice and took checks for $1,500 and $1,650, police said.

Then on Nov. 11, the man showed 41-80 Denman St. to a man and took a $1,600 check, according to the NYPD.

On Nov. 25 and 29, the man took three people to see 100-22 40th Road and took checks for $1,400, $1,500 and $2,300, police said.

The man is described as being in his 30s, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 150 pounds.

Those with information should contact NYPD’s Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting its website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.