An officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is accused of posing as a landlord to dupe prospective renters.
Burban Pierre, an 11-year veteran of the department, operated the scheme over a four-month via Craigslist, according to a report from New York Daily News. Pierre would advertise his own rented basement apartment, roping in would-be renters to pay up to $2,800 in security deposits and first month’s rent. These victims would even sign a fake lease.
One victim in particular, Vivian Griffith, allegedly paid the officer $2,200 upfront and signed a lease in April, but became frustrated with the situation when she was continually unable to move in. He had claimed to her that he owned the entire building.
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