Alleged real estate con artist charged in $4,000 Manhattan rental scam

From left: 416 East 13th Street, 343 Lexington Avenue and 117 East 102nd Street

A man posed as a real estate agent and scammed potential renters out of $4,000, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Vincent Armas was charged with grand larceny for allegedly taking the money in the form of deposits from three unrelated people for rental units at 416 East 13th Street, 343 Lexington Avenue between 39th and 40th streets, and 117 East 102nd Street. After Armas took their money, they were either denied access to the units, or were told that the apartments were not available for rent, according to The Criminal Court complaint. Armas, who was arrested May 4, faces up to four years in jail if convicted. His is being held on $20,000 bail, the DA’s office said, and his next court date is Monday. TRD