New Bedford Man Found Guilty in 2022 Rental Scam Scheme
TAUNTON — Victor Tiu Lopez, a New Bedford man, was found guilty on multiple charges, including larceny and witness intimidation, in connection with a rental scam that defrauded 13 individuals in 2022. The verdict was delivered in Bristol County Taunton Superior Court, as announced by the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell.
Lopez was convicted of stealing $20,400 from the victims by falsely posing as a landlord with affordable apartments for rent. Between February and April 2022, Lopez misled prospective renters, including members of the Guatemalan Mayan immigrant community in New Bedford, claiming to be the owner or soon-to-be owner of apartments available for rent. These individuals were particularly vulnerable due to their housing crisis, making them easy targets for exploitation.
In addition to the larceny charges, Lopez was convicted of witness intimidation after threatening to kill a community organizer from Centro Comunitario De Trabajadores, a nonprofit organization in New Bedford. The organizer had been helping the victims report Lopez’s fraudulent activities.
The case highlights the risks faced by vulnerable immigrant communities and underscores the importance of holding perpetrators of fraud accountable.
