A woman who police say heartlessly took $24,000 in cash deposits for fake Manhattan apartments was arrested yesterday. According to the NYPD, Bronx resident Jennifer Ricardo claimed to work for a real estate company and told prospective renters that they could get apartments at 552 Academy Street, a building undergoing renovation in Inwood. Ricardo allegedly demanded $2,700 each in cash deposits and even gave the unsuspecting victims fake keys and leases.
Police say that when victims went to the building to move in, "they were told by management there were no apartments available, and that they had been scammed. Meanwhile, Ricardo had fled to her native Dominican Republic."
Ricardo, who allegedly collected over $24,000, surrendered to police yesterday and was charged in 10 incidents of grand larceny and one incident of scheme to defraud. Victim Ana Villegas said, "In the desperation of finally having a home, an apartment we could live comfortably in, we fell victim to Jennifer Ricardo's scam. She took advantage of our families and did not care that she would be cheating us out of the money that took us many long hours to earn. I'm so relieved that the NYPD has brought Ms. Ricardo to justice."
Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who represents the district, said, "In a district where the average household income is $39,535 or less, the housing crisis in New York City has been especially felt in this community. The housing lottery for 552 Academy Street generated approximately 50,000 applicants with only 25 units available. At a moment where the city is working towards the creation of an additional 100,000 units of affordable housing, it is important for us to draw lessons from this case so communities do not fall victim to the criminal actions of unscrupulous individuals who prey on the neediest."
Rodriguez's office added, "Individuals who believe they might be victim to this or a similar scam should reach out to the Manhattan District Attorney's hotline at 212-335-3600 file a report."
