Suspect Arrested In Hollywood Rental Scam

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Station Tuesday announced the arrest of a man who allegedly posed as a landlord and collected money from a would-be tenant.

Evan Scott Weitzberg, 42, was taken into custody Friday morning and booked at the Hollywood Station on suspicion of grand theft, according to the LAPD. He was released on a $20,000 bond later that day, according to sheriff's inmate records.

Police said the unnamed victim responded to an internet advertisement listing a property for rent and was contacted by the suspect, who identified himself by another name.

The victim followed instructions to sign a lease and wire money to a bank account, but became suspicious and called police after the suspect asked her for additional money to secure the rental, according to the LAPD.

Detectives determined Weitzberg or an associate allegedly posed as an individual named John Cassab and had no authority to rent the property.

Police warned civilians to be careful when asked to wire any money in exchange for goods or property.

City News Service