I saw an ad for an apartment in Hollywood on Craigslist and went to view it. Met James, who gave a fake name.
Like all other reports on here, after agreeing to take the place, there was some messing around with the move in dates, blaming everything on the landlod. Even when I went to move in, he was still there packing all his stuff with his boyfriend, who he was moving in with. He couldn't give me any keys, but assured me he'd produce them the next morning. He didn't and luckily I was athletic enough to climb up to the balcony for the short length of my stay
To cut a long story short, once I had paid the months rent and deposit, he cut all communication and disappeared with my money. After a few days I found out more details about him...he was called James Rodney Sims and had ripped off several people in the house before. He apparently did still have keys because I was told when I left to spend a long weekend in Joshua Tree, he had used my room again as a base for bringing back guys he'd picked up on both Friday and Saturday night, knowing that I was away.
I spent the rest of the time on the sofa and after only 2 more nights the police and the landlord arrived to say they were changing the locks as James Sims was being evicted and they had multiple court cases against him. They had no interest in my subletting agreement and unable to contact James again, I had to seek somewhere else to stay. -$2k, but a lesson learned, both about the guy and the scam.
The police encouraged me to pursue civil action, but couldnt do anything about criminal charges. I made some investigations and found out that he works retail at a shop called Deep (7611 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046). Both times I dropped in to speak to him, he wasn't there, and only works part time - I guess while he pursues fraud and his small roles as an extra. He hangs out frequently at Adonis Lounge and Fubar in West Hollywood from what others overheard him and his 'guests' speaking about in the apartment. But I'd generally encourage people to have nothing to do with him at all.
So, he's still quite active in the scamming game and I hope from the above, people are able to pursue their issues with him.
Progressive
San Diego,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, July 30, 2016
If someone stole 2k from, I'm making a report. What are you doing, trying to extort and spread lies. Stop acting like a victim and do something
Concerned Citizen
NY,#3General Comment
Sat, July 30, 2016
Here you go again, spreading lies. I eas just there in vacation visit James and he' s still in the apartment. Far as being gay, as you elude to, thzts a bunch of bull crap!' Get a job and you stop trying to scam people.