Boca Raton Police arrest Craigslist scammer

Detectives from the Boca Raton Police Services Department began their investigation after receiving calls from people who claimed they had agreed to rent a house and provided a security deposit, only to be told the house was no longer available.

The investigation revealed that Daniel Fournier was renting a room from an 81 year old resident on West Camino Real.  While living in the house, Fournier listed the residence as available for rent on Craigslist.  Over a two month period, Fournier entered into fictitious rental agreements, including security deposits, with four different people. He told the renters that the owner of the house was his aunt and that the home would not be available until his aunt was placed into assisted living.

Fournier also had the 81 year old owner of the home unknowingly sign the fictitious lease agreements.  Further research of Fournier revealed that he facilitated similar scams in three different cities in Massachusetts.  When interviewed by Boca Raton detectives, Fournier admitted to creating the ad on Craigslist, and admitted to taking the deposits while knowing the house was not for rent.

Fournier was charged with four counts of Organized Scheme to Defraud/Grand Theft. If anyone has additional information about this scam, please contact Detective Jeffrey Simons at 561-338-1255