Crime & Safety
Real Estate Agent Busted In Hamptons Rental Scam: Police
The real estate agent took deposits on a rental home but tenants were told they couldn't move in; others may have been scammed, police say.
HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A real estate agent was busted in a Hamptons rental scam, police said.
According to Southampton Town Police, on Feb. 11, Southampton Town Police received two complaints regarding a real estate agent taking deposits for a rental home in Hampton Bays.
The prospective tenants provided a deposit to the agent and were promised a date to move in but, when the move-in date approached, both people were told the rental was still not available, police said.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Additional victims came forward to the police department's detective division, police said, and on April 29, the agent, Melanie Williams, 54, of Manorville, was charged with three counts of fourth degree grand larceny and three counts of first degree scheme to defraud.
Detectives believe there could be additional victims and are encouraging anyone who has had contact with Williams in regard to a rental to contact the Southampton Town Police Department's detective division at 631-702-2230.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Photo provided by Southampton Town Police
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