Countywide : Police Seeking 2 Men Suspected in Rent Scam
Orange County sheriff’s deputies are looking for two men they believe have bilked more than 60 people throughout the county of $500,000 in a rent scam.
According to investigators, the two men find residential properties, especially condominiums, that are in foreclosure and unoccupied and then advertise them for rent in local newspapers.
Unsuspecting renters pay deposits between $1,200 and $2,000 and sign a “Caretaker Agreement” rather than a lease. Shortly after the renters move in, they are evicted by the owner and lose their money.
Investigators said the two men use mail-drop business addresses and pagers, or telephone numbers that are connected to answering machines.
The two men have done business under the names of “Security Pacific Land Co.,” “Security Pacific Land Bank” and “Trust Management.”
Anyone with information about the men are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Economic Crimes Detail, Sgt. Stan Kinkade, (714) 647-4100, or Investigator Don Lambert at (714) 647-7494.
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