Criminal Investigations Division

Watch Out For These Scams

Landlords and tenants should be wary because rental scams are on the rise as criminals move in to take advantage of the volatile housing market.

Many people never consider how easy it is to take advantage of someone looking for a property to rent. Few give it a second thought. Fewer still take the steps necessary to ensure the person they’re renting to or from isn’t a criminal until it’s too late.

Avoiding rental scams begins with understanding how they work. Once you know what to look for, your chances of identifying one before you hand over your money increase enormously.

Ploys used by scammers to steal rent money:

  • Renting with the intent of renting to others. This scam works just how it sounds. A scam artist rents a property so they can show it to other prospective renters. They’ll collect first and last month’s rent, security deposits and any fees or charges they can squeeze out of their victims before skipping town with the loot. There have been reports of a single property being leased or rented to dozens of people before the crook vanished with their money.
  • Renting on behalf of the owner. This scam is similar to the previous one but there’s one major difference: the scam artist claims to be helping someone else rent the property. They might be sick, or overseas, or just too busy to do it themselves for whatever reason. Once the scammer collects first, last, deposits and fees they skip town. The renter then discovers the home wasn’t for rent. The owners or renters may have been away for business or pleasure, or it’s a vacation home, or it could be a foreclosed property. Either way you’re out the money if you fall for it.
  • Nigerian Rental Scams. This scam is a variation of the two previous scams but differs in that it takes place on the internet and the scammer doesn’t need to be present and may never have been to the property. This scam is especially dangerous because it targets both property owners and renters. One flavor of this scam involves a crook finding a photo of a property and its address then posting them on Craigslist or other online rental websites hoping someone will be willing to wire them the first and last month’s rent, security deposits, and assorted fees (Sound familiar?). If you think no one falls for this, guess again. People are generally quite trusting and the ad will be so enticing that the potential renters will think they’re getting a bargain.

    A variation of this scam is the classic Nigerian 419 scam. Someone will answer an online posting for a property and ask to pay by Western Union or an equivalent money wiring service. If the landlord takes the bait, and many do, the renter will “accidently” pay too much. The renter will apologize and ask for the extra funds to be sent back to them. If the landlord doesn’t wait for the payment to clear the bank and sends the money, they’re out whatever they send. That’s the scam and it’s very successful.

Now that you know a few of the most common rental scams, let’s look at how to detect and avoid them! Below are some ways you can find out if you’re dealing with the actual property owner.

How to detect rental scams

  • Ask the landlord if you can see their ID.
  • Search local government websites for the rental properties address and make sure the name listed matches the landlord’s ID.
  • If a property management company is managing the condo, home or community, call them and ask whether the person you’re dealing with actually owns the property.
  • Your state or county should have information regarding property management companies and whether they’re actually managing the property you’re interested in. You should be able to find the contact information for the property management company in a building lobby or posted in a common area, such as the swimming pool cabana area or clubhouse.
  • If you are leasing in a gated community or a condominium, a rental application is almost always required. If the landlord doesn’t have one or doesn’t even know how to get one, I’d call that a red flag.
  • Use Google or another search engine to look up the properties address, land lord’s name and phone number phone number, etc. You might be surprised at what you find.
  • Considering how many homes are being foreclosed, don’t be afraid to ask if the landlord is current on their mortgage payments.
  • You can also consider getting help finding a rental property from a real-estate agent.

If you’re a property owner, we offer the following tips to help you protect your investment:

Rental Scam Tips for Property Owners

  • Keep a watchful eye on your home. If you don’t live nearby, consider hiring a home watch service to periodically check the home for odd activity.
  • Change the locks frequently if you rent the property often. If your previous tenants kept a copy of the keys, they have access to the home!
  • Ask potential tenants for references and follow up by checking them.
  • Verify your tenant’s employment by contacting their employer.
  • Run a credit check on potential tenants before renting to them.
  • Don’t let a tenant pay more than you asked for then demand a refund. If you give it to them, you’re out the money.
  • Use Google or another search engine to look up the name, phone number, and prior address. While you’re at it, check police records to find out if you’re dealing with a known criminal.

This may seem like a lot of work but much of it can be done quickly in front of your computer. If you ask anyone that’s been bilked out of their rent money, they’ll tell you it’s time well spent.

 

As with all scams, you can report them to IC3.gov and the BBB. If you wish to know more about scams, you can visit www.fraudguides.com and IC3 for the most current scams being run.

Delta District

Two Arrested For Aggravated Robbery On Kostoryz

Occurred March 31, 2012, 2:25am Aggravated Robbery 4322 Kostoryz 1203310021

An 18-year-old man had his car taken by force by five unknown men that had at least one handgun with them Saturday morning at an apartment complex at the 4300 block of Kostoryz.

Corpus Christi Police were called to the 1400 block of Seventeenth Street at about 2:25am to take the complaint of the stolen car. Police officers were told that the 18-year-old victim drove a new friend to the apartment complex and were approached by five men that took the car by force. The victim received minor injuries and provided a description of the car which was announced on the police radio.

Other officers sighted the black 2007 Chrysler 300 at Kilgore and Alexander and arrested the two occupants, 19-year-old Joe Brandon Bustamante (7/28/1992) and 19-year-old Christopher Dale Ramos (5/19/1992) for aggravated robbery. The Aggravated Robbery charge is punishable by up to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Bustamante was also arrested for possession of marijuana that was discovered incident to arrest which is a charge punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

The vehicle was impounded and the investigation continues to evaluate evidence and additional information.

The public may research reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi by searching Crimereports.com.

Community Outreach

April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Written by Shannon McFarlin

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a time to focus on a crime that happens almost every two minutes in the United States (that means an average of 207,754 victims a year according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey). The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

Sexual violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims are afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given. This includes completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is unable to consent. It also includes abusive sexual contact and non-contact sexual abuse (such as sexual harassment). Child sexual abuse is also considered sexual violence.

This type of violence can be committed by a current or former intimate partner, a family member, a person in position of power or trust, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.

Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term health and emotional problems. Victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious, and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Sexual assault is a most intimate crime, and when it happens in our most intimate sanctuaries—our homes—the trauma is devastating and difficult to escape. Healing from sexual violence can only happen on a foundation of safety and safety starts with home

The goal of Corpus Christi Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program is to raise the community’s awareness about sexual violence and to educate our community on how to prevent sexual violence. It is also important to learn how as a community we can be allies to survivors of sexual violence by believing and supporting them.

What can you do to help? For starters, educate yourself on the reality of sexual assault in our society today. Here’s a quick review in order to help:

Definitions:

Sexual assault: Forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Penetration may be by a body part or an object.

Acquaintance assault: Involves coercive sexual activities that occur against a person’s will by means of force, violence, duress, or fear of bodily injury. These sexual activities are imposed upon them by someone they know (a friend, date, acquaintance, etc.).

Incest: Sexual contact between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal (e.g., parents and children, uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews, etc.). This usually takes the form of an older family member sexually abusing a child or adolescent.

Consent: Consent occurs when both partners freely and willingly participate in sexual activities.

The legal definition of rape includes any sexual contact without consent. Consent cannot be legally given, in most states, if a person is:

– Under 17

– Mentally incapacitated

– Drunk or high

– Coerced

– Forced

Additionally, the absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” So, even if a person does not fight back or explicitly say “no,” they still are not necessarily giving consent.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Victim Advocates at the Corpus Christi Police Department:

Shae McFarlin (361) 826-2950           Laura Munoz (361) 886-2851

Sarah DeLeon (361) 826-2952           Debra Garcia (361)  886-2674

Charlie District

17 Year Old Arrested After Pulling On Door Handles

Occurred Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:18pm 5488 S.P.I.D. Possession Of Marijuana 1203290139

A 17-year-old was arrested Thursday night at the La Palmera Mall for possession of marijuana after an officer saw the man attempt to steal from cars in the parking lot.

Patrol Officer Daniel Sotello watched the parking lot from an unmarked police vehicle and saw 17-year-old Daniel Martinez (1/16/1995) walk through five rows of vehicles in the parking lot and pull on the door handles of multiple vehicles. Martinez talked on a cell phone as he checked the doors of vehicles.

A blue Chevy Silverado truck responded to turn away as Officer Sotello approached Martinez. The Silverado left the area before police could investigate the truck. Martinez was apprehended by Sotello and arrested for possession of marijuana after the contraband was discovered in the possession of Martinez. The Possession of marijuana charge is a Class B Misdemeanor because of the quantity of the contraband and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

The Corpus Christi Police Auto theft Task Force continue to investigate and gather information about this event and request help from the public to locate a blue two toned Chevy Silverado that may have been involved in this case. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or log on to www.888TIPS.com. The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

To learn about reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi, the public may search Crimereports.com.

Bravo District

Man Robbed At His Home

Occurred March 30, 2012 1:12am 700 Alden Dr. Aggravated Robbery 1203300008

A 35-year-old man was robbed at his house after he returned from the store to buy cigarettes Friday morning.

The victim arrived home and discovered a masked man exit the victim’s home. The masked man displayed a pistol at the victim and the masked man took money and other items from the victim. No person was injured and the masked man was not yet located by police.

The victim said the suspect was possibly a H/M 5`10 medium build (190-250) possible age 30s-40s wearing black L/S shirt, black baggy pants, a black beanie rolled down to cover face with eye holes and carrying a handgun.

Anyone who would like to research reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi may log onto Crimereports.com. The site provides the public with reported criminal activity and the ability to communicate any information about the crimes reported.

Anyone who has information about this crime should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or logon to www.888TIPS.com. The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

Adam District

Man Rescued From Burning Vehicle

Occurred Friday, March 30, 2012 12:30am Single Vehicle Crash Leopard/McBride  Crash# C1202372, Case #1203300003, and 1203300007

Two men were arrested Friday morning after they were rescued from a single vehicle crash while that vehicle was on fire at Leopard Street and McBride Lane.

Corpus Christi Police Lieutenant Tim Brown observed a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Leopard and McBride at 12:30am. The maroon 2002 Ford F-150  truck rolled in the crash and trapped the two occupants inside the vehicle. Police patrol officers Billy Whitehead and Raymond Harrison arrived and saw smoke and flames coming from the truck. The officers broke the back window of the truck and extracted both the 24-year-old passenger and the 27-year-old driver out of the truck.  According to officers at the scene, both men were dazed from the crash and unable to free themselves from the burning vehicle.  The passenger was still strapped into his seatbelt when officers pulled him from the wreck.

CCFD medics responded to the scene and examined both men, but neither had any significant injury.

The driver of the truck, Anthony Allen Flores (DOB: 2/4/1985) appeared intoxicated and was administered field sobriety tests.  Flores was subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital for evaluation and treatment.  Flores refused to submit to a voluntary blood draw, so officers obtained a search warrant and obtained a blood sample. Flores was then booked at the City Detention Center.  DWI is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine for the first offense.

His passenger, Huel J Robertson (DOB: 4-12-1987), was arrested for a public intoxication and an outstanding Nueces County DWI warrant (2nd offense).  He, too, was booked at the CDC.

Delta District

Man Hit When He Tries To Help Crying Woman

Occurred March 28, 2012 12:46am Aggravated Assault 1001 N. Water St. 1203280005

A 48 year old man was injured in a confrontation Wednesday morning at an apartment complex on North Water Street.

Corpus Christi Police were called to the 300 block of Interstate Highway 37 to assist Emergency Medical Technicians with a trauma complaint that may have been the result of criminal activity. Police were told that the 48 year old man was struck by an object after he and a 33 year old man attempted to help a 35 year old female stranger.

The police officers were told that the two men were told a story of domestic violence and were asked to escort the woman back to her apartment to retrieve some property. The victim said once at the apartment, the woman told her 39 year old boyfriend a different story and claimed the two men that escorted her had attacked her. The victim said the 39 year old man then assaulted the victim.

Police were told by a witness that a weapon was displayed to the 39 year old before the 39 year old made an assault. Police collected evidence at the scene and continue to gather information about this event.

Corpus Christi Police suggest that any person that requests assistance to a potentially violent situation should call police to provide assistance.

Adam District, Criminal Investigations Division

Help Identify This Graffiti Vandal

Occurred Sunday, January 8, 2012 1:30am, Stripes 3238 Buddy Lawrence Dr. 1201080024

     

Corpus Christi Police are seeking additional information from the public to identify those responsible for graffiti and criminal mischief done to the Stripes at 3238 Buddy Lawrence Dr. last January.

A Corpus Christi Police Officer went to the Stripes store on January 8 and noticed a security camera was damaged. The officer learned from the store employee that the damage was new and there was new graffiti on the walls of the store.

The value of the damage to the camera is an estimated $2,000. The criminal mischief charge is a State Jail Felony which, if convicted, the person responsible faces up to 2 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.  The graffiti charge is a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable with up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

Anyone may search the reported crime in Corpus Christi through Crimereports.com. The site is also a venue to provide information to law enforcement about criminal activity.

Anyone who can identify this person or has additional information about this crime should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or logon to www.888TIPS.com. The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

Delta District, Traffic Safety Division

Officer On A Motorcycle Involved In A Crash

Occurred Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11:06am Police Motorcycle Crash C1202311

Senior Officer B. Browning, while on duty and on a motorcycle, was involved in a vehicle crash at the 400 block of South Carancahua Street Wednesday morning.

The Enduro Unit traveled to the left side of a tan Chevy Trail Blazer. The Trail Blazer changed direction into the lane the officer traveled which caused the officer to lose balance and fall to the ground. The officer struck his helmet on the pavement.

The operator of the Trail Blazer stopped the vehicle and helped the officer momentarily until other officers arrived. The woman in the Trail Blazer then left the scene, but returned when she learned she was involved in the crash. Investigators believe there was no contact between the vehicles and the woman was not aware that she was involved in the crash when she left the scene.

Witnesses to the crash told police that the woman may have been talking on her cell phone when the unsafe lane change was conducted. The woman in the Trail Blazer was cited for the crash.

The officer on the motorcycle was transported to Spohn Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Corpus Christi Police warn motorists to watch for all vehicles, especially smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles, when traveling on the roadway. Police warn to check all blind spots and carefully pay attention to all who share the road.

Corpus Christi Police also warn that use of the cell phone while operating a vehicle may be a distraction. The use of a hands free device is the best option if a phone call is necessary while operating a vehicle.

Delta District

Thieves Steal Lawn Mower While Owner Is Home

Occurred Tuesday, March 27, 2012 11:34am Theft 100 block of Del Mar Blvd. 1203270040

            A team of thieves were seen in the Del Mar neighborhood on Tuesday morning and police would like additional information from the public to identify those responsible.

A 45-year-old man drove the 100 block of Del Mar Boulevard at about 11:30am and saw two Hispanic men enter the back yard to a house. The witness is a friend to the owner of the house and so the witness watched as the two Hispanic men carried a lawn mower to a dark color Sport Utility Vehicle that had a paper tag in place of a license plate. The witness called police and the sport utility vehicle sped away before police arrived.

The witness later discovered the victim of the theft was home at the time of the crime. Police were told the value of the mower is about $700.

Police later contacted a green Ford Expedition with paper tags in place of a license plate that was parked at the 300 block of Laurel which intersects with Santa Fe. Police officers identified two occupants of the Expedition. Police were not able to connect the Expedition to the crime on Del Mar Boulevard at the time of the contact, so the Expedition and the occupants were released.

Citizens are encouraged go logon to Crimereports.com to view the reported criminal activity in their neighborhood. This tool is also a venue to provide tips to Crime Stoppers to reduce the crime in the area.

Police continue to investigate this theft and request anyone with any information to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or logon to www888TIPS.com. The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter