PERTH AMBOY, NJ – The Perth Amboy Police Department is alerting the community about an apartment rental scam that has defrauded multiple residents.
Eridelbi Placencia, a 32-year-old resident of Perth Amboy, is currently facing charges in connection with 12 incidents, which have resulted in the theft of approximately $48,000 from victims.
The scam involved Placencia posting fake apartment listings on Facebook Marketplace and distributing fraudulent flyers in local laundromats.
He then presented these fictitious apartments to potential renters, persuading them to pay deposits and/or the initial month’s rent. After receiving the payments, Placencia cut off all communication with the victims.
Placencia is facing Theft by Deception charges for 13 incidents reported to police from September 1, 2023, to September 21, 2023.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact Detective J. Harris at (732) 324-3812.