A Covina rental deal that proved to good to be true

A three-bedroom house in Covina for $1,200 a month? That's a deal. And apparently a scam. At least 12 families found out too late before each handed over $2,400 in rent and a deposit on the same house that was advertised on Craigslist, reports the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.  The ad can no longer be found but investigators  said that it  looks like another and all too common example of housing fraud.

Many of the renters had expected to move into the house at 5441 N. Calera Avenue this week, including Stevan Ortiz and his girlfriend, who had given notice on their apartment.

"We made so many plans," said Ortiz, who tried contacting the owner over the weekend. "I had this in the back of my mind when I couldn't get ahold of him."

In preparing for the move, Ortiz had purchased appliances and had also arranged to get a dog to romp around in their new home.

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Bloomberg News

Comments

[Sara]

Why would someone get a new dog to "romp around" in their rental?
Return the appliances to the store, and the pet to its breeder or pet store.
Lesson learned, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

[Robert Baker]

This is an epidemic.
Many foreclosure "victims" are evil hoods stealing from innocent people.
I see it every day, as I work in foreclosures.
Don't pity the crooks!!!
Pity the real victims.. renters, lenders, and investors, and those of us who can't get a loan now.

[Marie]

While there are great deals on Craigslist, one must be cautious at all times. Craigslist is WAY too big to monitor its free postings. There are flakes and fakes at every turn, with no fault to the mega-site. Thus the popular saying: "You never know with Craigslist". In the future, check documentation, destination, get numbers, put a hold on the check, do research, etc. That's a lot of money to "throw away". I smell lawsuit.

[Max]

* too good?

[Ashley]

Sara- Imagine being a young person with a family. Because of the market it is not too wise or easy to purchase a home at this time. You have children and have found a home to rent (which is cheaper than most apts). You check into the information on the home, the person renting is the home owner, it is not in foreclosure and you have a rental agreement and reciept. So you, your husband and children have plans and dreams for a whole month on what you plan to do in the home, you purchase additional furniture to furnish it and are finally able to get the dog that your children have been wanting. Yes, the things can be returned but it is the dreams and the false hope that crushes you.

The story in the paper was not mine but my family was one of the 30 who were scammed by this bad person. I would not wish bad upon anyone and hope Pardeep Singh is caught so he can not hurt anymore families.

Lesson for you to learn - Try and have more compassion for others and if you have nothing nice to say then do not say anything at all!

[aidpic]

The Ist amendment gives one the right to say things that are not nice.

Now is a great time to purchase, hence the term "buyers' market".

[Ashley]

When you are 22 years old (just starting out) and a chunk of your savings was taken from you plus you are expecting a new baby... it is easier said then done. Just do not be so quick to judge someones circumstances when you have no idea what there life is. There is nothing wrong with wanting a dog for a "rental".