First-and-last month rent scam in Oshawa defrauds over 35 people of $500,000
Published May 16, 2023 at 3:02 pm
An Oshawa man has been arrested over his alleged involvement in a first-and-last months rent scam that defrauded more than 35 people of a combined $500,000.
The Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation in May, investigators say. They learned of a man posting ads on Facebook Marketplace advertising an apartment for rent in London.
Police say the man would accept the first and last month’s rent from the victims and then stop all communications. They say investigators have since learned the apartments never existed in the first place and have identified more than 35 victims.
On May 14, police went to a home near Simcoe St. and Conlin Rd. in the city’s north end to arrest a suspect on outstanding warrants.
Ghana Ariharan, 27, was arrested on charges of fraud, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering money, and failure to comply with recognizance.
Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation can call D/Cst. Finley of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5358 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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