Police: Suspect Took Nearly $3,500 From Woman For Nonexistent Apartment

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Wednesday were searching for a suspect who took nearly $3,500 from a woman who thought she was renting an apartment from him.

The 35-year-old victim paid $3,483 to the man to rent an apartment she had found listed on Craigslist, police said. The crime was reported in the Bronx, but police said the final payment was made to the suspect at 14th Street and Second Avenue on the cusp of the East Village and Gramercy Park.

The apartment he claimed to be renting did not exist, police said.

The suspect was driving a black Lincoln Town Car livery cab and another unidentified black sport-utility vehicle, police said.

Police have released a photo of the suspect and the vehicles.

Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.