Six Would-Be Renters Get Taken For $10K By Swindler Showing Vacant Apartments, Then Taking Off After Pocketing Security Deposits

In Corona, Queens, the New York Post reports:

• A con artist [] tricked six people into giving him nearly $10,000 by posing as a realtor and showing vacant apartments in Corona, police said. One victim was smart enough to catch him in the act on video, sources said.
  
  
• After the swindler took security deposits ranging from $1,400 to $2,300 from apartment seekers between Oct. 21 and Nov. 25, one victim had a friend call the fraudster for another showing. The friend videotaped the suspect inside 100-22 40th Rd., where he had lured three victims, then left without turning over any cash, sources said.
  
  
• Police are asking for the public’s help finding the con man, who also allegedly showed homes and ripped people off on 42nd Avenue and Denman Street.

Source: NYPD Daily Blotter (1st story).