Darien Resident Loses Over $2,500 In Rental Property Scam: Police

DARIEN, CT — A Darien resident recently lost over $2,500 in a rental property scam after responding to a Craigslist advertisement for an apartment being subleased in Washington, D.C., according to police.

In a news release, Police Sgt. Dan Skoumbros said the resident communicated with the alleged renter of the apartment, who sent her a photograph of a woman holding a Massachusetts license to prove she was legitimate.

Officers later determined the scammer was using the name and picture of a person who had been scammed in the past, Skoumbros said.

The resident ultimately sent the scammer $2,600 rent through Zelle, but became suspicious when she was asked to send another $1,300 for the last month's rent as well, Skoumbros said.

The resident told officers she contacted the property's building manager directly, who informed her of the apartment's true owner and said it was not for rent.