From the Daily News:At least a dozen would be tenants were bilked by an Astoria man who took their deposits for a rental unit that was hawked on Craigslist but was never actually available, officials said.
Scammer Mario Lalicata, 54, took cash deposits between $600 and $1,500 from at least a dozen people — an elaborate scheme that is a cautionary tale for online apartment hunters.
Lalicata, a former teacher and Community Board 1 member, lured in his victims with an attractive Craigslist ad for a pad at 25-55 48th St. and a charming demeanor. He introduced them to his 90-year-old ailing mother and provided printed receipts. There was religious regalia sprinkled throughout the apartment.
Once the renters caught wind of the scheme and realized the apartment had been promised to several other people, Lalicata grew evasive, they said.
He wouldn’t answer his door. His phone would go straight do voicemail. He delayed refunds.
More than a dozen riled-up renters stormed a community meeting Tuesday night to demand that cops arrest Lalicata. Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi of the 114th Precinct said the Queens District Attorney was conducting a full investigation.
The shady slumlord defended himself in a bizarre phone interview with the News.
Lalicata presented a different picture of himself: a former school teacher, real estate agent and member of several civic groups including the community board.
4 comments:
CB1 the community board from hell.
Um, what's the story with that picture?
He
s a collar and the CO of the pct is a pussy.
Despite over 40 fraud victims coming forward in the past 3 months, officers in preceinct are "under strict orders" not to take any complaints against Lalicata, and not to file any reports.
Whose shadier; the 114th or this con-artist?
Post a Comment