Full Notification

Scam Alert - Apartment Rental Fraud
 
The Perth Amboy Police Department is issuing a community alert regarding a recent apartment rental scam affecting numerous residents. Eridelbi Placencia, a 32-year-old resident of Perth Amboy, is facing charges in connection with 12 incidents that have resulted in the theft of approximately $48,000.00 from unsuspecting victims.
 
The scam unfolded as follows:

• Placencia posted fraudulent apartment listings on Facebook Marketplace and distributed flyers advertising apartments for rent in local laundromats.
• He subsequently presented these fictitious properties to unsuspecting individuals, convincing them to provide deposits and/or the initial month's rent.
• After acquiring the funds, he ceased all communication with the victims.

 
Placencia is facing Theft by Deception charges for 13 incidents reported to the Police, spanning from 9/01/2023 through 9/21/2023. Our diligent officers are actively leading the investigation. This is an ongoing case, and we encourage anyone with additional information to contact Detective J. Harris, at (732) 324-3812.