Mom, Son, Wanted in Apartment Rental Scam

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police are looking for a mother and son who allegedly ripped off prospective renters by lying about an available apartment and collecting money.

Police say Dorothy Ignemi, 51, and Nicholas Matthews, 21, posted a Craigslist ad to rent an apartment that did not belong to them and instead belonged to a friend who was letting them stay in his house. The Fountain Street home had a vacant in-law apartment in the basement. Ignemi and her son allegedly showed people the apartment and collected first and last month’s rent as well as security deposits and defrauded would-be renters of nearly $4,000.

According to police, the homeowner wasn’t aware of the scam and didn’t know what was going on until the first victim showed up with a moving truck. Ignemi and her son were gone by that time and told the homeowner they were leaving the state, but police believe they are still in the Boston area.

The police have so far received four complaints. Both Ignemi and Matthews each face felony charges of four counts of larceny over $250 by false pretenses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Medford Police at 781-391-6767.