Police in New York City are investigating an alleged scam involving an unidentified man who took security deposits from three prospective renters for an apartment on Marion Avenue, near the Bronx Botanical Garden. The incident dates to May 2026, when the suspect reportedly promised the three individuals that they would secure a lease on the unit after receiving their deposits.
According to law enforcement sources, the three renters each provided a security deposit to the suspect under the impression that the lease agreement was legitimate. After the payments were made, doubts arose about the authenticity of the lease, prompting the renters to contact authorities. The police response focused on determining whether the apartment listing was genuine and whether the suspect had the authority to collect the funds.
The investigation is centered on the legitimacy of the lease transaction. Officers are reviewing the documentation presented to the renters and tracing the flow of the security deposits. The location of the alleged apartment, situated on Marion Avenue close to the Bronx Botanical Garden, has been identified as part of the probe, though officials have not confirmed whether a valid lease existed for the property.
The case involves three victims who each contributed a security deposit, the total number of individuals implicated in the alleged scheme. No further details about the amount of the deposits or the identity of the suspect have been released. Police have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made, but the inquiry remains active as authorities seek to verify the lease’s authenticity and to determine if additional parties were involved.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about rental fraud in the city, prompting residents to exercise caution when providing deposits for prospective homes. The police investigation continues, with officials urging anyone with relevant information to come forward, though no specific request for tips is included in the public notice.