July 15, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Culver City Police Investigate Social Media Rental Scam Targeting Renters

Multiple Victims Report Fraudulent Apartment Listings on Facebook

The Culver City Police Department is investigating a series of online rental scams that have recently come to light, with multiple victims reporting similar incidents involving fraudulent apartment listings on social media.

According to police, the scam begins with a Facebook ad for an apartment rental. Victims meet the supposed “seller” at a location in Culver City, where they exchange cash and sign a rental agreement. However, when victims attempt to access the rental property, they find that the keys provided do not work, and the suspect becomes unreachable.

The incidents, reported between July 4 and August 27, 2024, have prompted an active investigation by the department.

Authorities warn that scammers use various tactics, including fake rental listings for properties that either don’t exist or are unavailable. They may also use pre-recorded virtual tours or alter legitimate rental ads to deceive potential renters.

Police recommend the following precautions to avoid falling victim to such scams:

  • Verify contact details: Cross-check the information in the listing with reputable sources.
  • Avoid personal servers: Do not communicate through personal servers as requested by scammers.
  • Inquire in person: Ask questions about the property face-to-face rather than through email.
  • Be cautious with payment: Reputable landlords typically won’t ask for payment before showing the property in person.
  • Use professionals: Consider working with a licensed real estate broker or trusted property management company when renting.
  • Research listings: Be wary of ads appearing under different names or with conflicting details.

The department is asking anyone with information about the scams to contact Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 or by email at jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org. Alternatively, individuals can reach the Watch Commander at (310) 253-6202.

Police have identified three suspects, including two females—one described as Hispanic, 20-30 years old, with a heavy build, red hair, a pink jacket with lettering, and gray shorts—and one male, described as Black, 20-30 years old. The third suspect’s identity remains unknown.

Related Posts

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

UCLA Student Researchers Face Funding Uncertainty, Student Newspaper Reports

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The Trump administration’s plan to slash $4.7 billion from the National Science Foundation, eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Home of Douglas Emmett Realty Co-Founder Becomes Brentwood’s Priciest on Market: REPORT

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The new listing surpasses Brentwood’s previous top-priced property at 11740 Crescenda Street, which is listed at $54.9 million A Brentwood...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...