HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_08_05_Suspect wanted for Rental Scam
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE August 5, 2010 The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for grand theft related to a property rental scam. Amy Michelle
Klopfstein 30 has been identified as being responsible for defrauding at least four victims related to a foreclosed residence posted for rent on Craigslist. Between July 26-30, Klopfstein
received rental deposit and rent for a residence located at 3501 Harris Road for which Klopfstein has no rights or legal attachment to. Klopfstein is described as a Caucasian female
30 years old, 5’8” tall, 125 pounds, having blonde hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts or additional scams she has been involved in is encouraged to
call Detective Glenn Anderson at 326-3540. This is a scam that investigators are encountering more and more wherein individuals with no connection to rental properties and foreclosed
homes
advertise them on Craigslist and con prospective renters into placing a deposit on and or pay rent and move into a residence they have no right to. Often times the scammer has previously
broken into the home and changed the locks to give the appearance they own the property because they have a key and are able to show the residence prior to renting. Prospective renters
are reminded to be cautious when renting properties posted on Craigslist. Ask to see the landlord's ID and record all the information you can from it, however consider that it may also
be fictitious so note the person’s physical description and vehicle description. Visit the local County Assessor’s Office or Hall of Records to look up property ownership for the property
in question. Who really owns it? Is it the person you're dealing with? Look at any provided photographs of the property carefully. Do they match up with what you've seen in person? Do
they look like they all came from the same place? Consider the fact that if they don't ask for an application or permission to check your credit it may be a red flag but in one of Klopfstein’s
cases, she did ask for money up front to conduct a background check, so the fact that they do, does not necessarily always legitimize them. Considering the current state of our economy
and the rise in foreclosures, ask the landlord if they're current on their mortgage payments and then get their answer in writing. Consider using another method for obtaining a rental
such as a property management company.