Apartment lease Fraud - Need help desperately

[sathishraok]

What is the name of your state? NY

I was looking for an apartment on craigslist and I found an apartment in Queens, NY which seemed to meet my requirements. The guy who posted the ad claimed that he was moving out soon and needed to sublease the place. The rent he quotedwas $1300 with all utilities included.

I met this guy and he seemed like a nice guy and I visited the apartment 2 times before I signed the lease. He handed me a copy of the keys to the apartment, mail room etc. I moved in a couple a days after he moved out and the day I was moving in, a gentleman knocked the door and asked me who I was? Apparently, the gentlman who knocked the door was the owner of the apartment and he told me that the person residing here was his nephew.

This guy had "Allowed" his nephew to stay in the apartment and his nephew had not paid the rent since quite some time now. He also told me that his nephew did not have any rights to lease the apartment. He also asked me to vacate the apartment immediately.

I tried calling the guy from whom I had leased the apartment and he does not pick his phone (I have tried several times.. no use). His family members have no clue where he is. He had also cashed the cheque which I gave him as rent and deposit and vanished.

I have lost the money and I have no aparment right now.

I went to the police station and tried to file a complaint, but they said this was a civil court case. I went to the civil court yesterday and filed a small claims case. But since this guy is absconding, I doubt if the small claims court will be of any use.

In the apartment, I found this guys SSN#, Bank statements, mobile number and resume. The only thing I dont know is his address.

I am totally confused and I have no clue how to proceed ahead. I would really appreciate it if someone can provide me with some guidance.

Thanks,
Sathish

 

[JETX]

Contact the police again... and INSIST that they take a complaint (fraud, theft, etc.) on this person.
Then, you can only do as you already have... file a lawsuit against him and get a judgment.

 

[sathishraok]

JETX. Thanks for your advice.

I went to the police station and asked them to book a case of fraud. I mentioned to them that the person was NOT supposed to lease the apartment to me, but he has done that intentionally and he is absconding right now with my money.

The officer argued that I needed to get this proved in the court first and then they can take the necessary action.

I am kinda confused on how to handle this problem.

 

[Hot Topic]

So, you have to prove in court that Person A murdered Person B before the police will arrest Person A? Gee, I thought when the police brought in Person A, he was called a "suspect."

Your police are lazy. Go through a supervisor.