HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - A woman has been arrested for allegedly posting apartment rentals on social media and collecting deposits from hopeful renters for properties she did not own.
According to Hialeah Police, from October 2020 to May 2021, 38-year-old Kenia Robles collected deposits through money transfer apps for apartment rentals, but she did not own the properties.
When people called for keys to their new apartment or for a refund, detectives allege Robles would ignore their calls and sometimes block them. Police said Robles cheated people out of more than $25,000 in Hialeah alone.
“It’s very simple: when you’re going to rent an apartment and you’re reaching out through Instagram and Facebook and social media, the most important thing to do before you send any money is to go to the actual apartment and physically inspect it,” Hialeah Police Sgt. Yoshua Garfinkel warned. “Make sure that the apartment is available to move in and available to be rented.”
Robles faces dozens of charges related to her alleged fraud, and in court, the judge said she has 19 cases against her. She remains jailed on $169,000 bond.
“I would say that she’s a professional scam artist,” Garfinkel said. “She took advantage of several victims, approximately 19 in the City of Hialeah and probably several more.”
According to the arrest report, Robles’ victims range from 20 years old to 71 years old.
Sheyla Gomez, one of Robles alleged victims, lost nearly $1,000, and she wants the 38-year-old to remain in jail.
“No, she can’t come out again of the jail, never again,” Gomez said.
Police said Robles has two felony convictions and spent time in a federal prison.
Investigators said they believe there may be more victims.
If you believe you have been a victim of this woman’s scam, call Hialeah Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
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