WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) – The West Columbia Police Department has arrested two women in connection with a scam they were operating in the Midlands.
According to Chief Dennis Tyndall, investigators arrested Cynthia Louise Allen, 23, and Coreshia Malasia Henry, 25, Tuesday. Both women were charged with obtaining goods by false pretense.
They have been released on bond from the Lexington County Detention Center.
Tyndall states that the two women were defrauding unsuspecting victims of money under the guise of subleasing the victims’ apartments. The victims were college students who placed ads on Craigslist for individuals to take over their student housing leases.
The suspects would then contact the victims and take money from the victims in exchange for assuming the lease contract. Once they had the victim’s money, the suspects would end communication with the victim but not assume the lease leaving the victims responsible.
Chief Tyndall offered the following tips for individuals trying to sublet an apartment:
1. Never pay, wire transfer or give money to any person to take over your lease;
2. Always follow the Rental Property sublease terms;
3. Have the person who is taking over your lease fill out the necessary contracts with the rental property staff;
4. Don’t mail, fax or email a blank lease agreement to a potential sub-lessee. Have them work details out through the property rental office.
Chief Tyndall urged anyone who has been targeted by these suspects or others of a similar nature contact their local law enforcement agency.
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