DeLand, FL – Officers are looking for a 26-year-old woman who has allegedly scammed people out of thousands of dollars through online rent ads.
The DeLand Police Department says there’s an arrest warrant out for Donshenieka Y. Irvin and that she’ll be facing, at the very least, a charge of scheme to defraud once she’s in custody.
DeLand PD Sergeant Chris Estes says Irvin has been using Craigslist to pull off the scam since July.
“To date, we have approximately 12 victims that have been scammed out of several thousand dollars collectively,” Estes added. “This investigation is still open and additional charges are pending.”
Investigators think the scammers are posting ads on Craigslist for apartments or condominiums that are available for rent, usually asking anyone who’s interested in paying up front for various fees.
“Once the money is transferred and the victims attempt to move, it’s learned that the property is already occupied or not actually an available rental,” Estes noted.
DeLand PD says Irvin has been positively identified as a suspect in this scam and wants the public’s help to find her.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DeLand PD Detective Jamie Brazeau at 386-626-7428 or Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.
Donshenieka Y. Irvin (photo courtesy of DeLand PD)
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.
