A fake realtor stole $25,000 from New York City renters.

New York City authorities have reported a rental fraud case. Three people lost $25,000 in the scam, and there may be more victims. Gothamist tells in more detail.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, 46-year-old Juan Valoy posed as a real estate agent from March to July of this year.

He took from potential tenants thousands of dollars for a supposed "application fee" bail and the first month of rent.

However, the tenants never received their apartments.

As a result, Valoy disappeared.

"Juan Valoy allegedly preyed on New Yorkers seeking stable housing amid the affordable housing shortage," said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. "He exploited the situation to line his own pockets, unconcerned about leaving families with children homeless."

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He charged Valoy with grand theft and fraud.

How the scammer operated

Prosecutors said the fake agent arranged showings of apartments he did not own and had no right to rent.

These screenings took place across the city, including in Washington Heights, Queens and the Bronx.

The scammer demanded payments in excess of $7000. Valoy directed them to Millan Serves Corp, a company registered in his name.

He collected personal and financial documents: birth certificates, income statements, pay stubs and Social Security numbers.

The swindler claimed that these papers were needed to formalize the lease.

After receiving the money, Valoy postponed the move-in date, citing the need for repairs or insect control.

Then the scammer stopped communicating and did not return the money.

"In one case, a young family had already moved out of their previous home and attempted to move into a Bronx apartment with their young child, which they thought they had rented from Valoy. However, other tenants were already living there," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

On September 30, Valoy declared his innocence.

The District Attorney's Office asks other potential victims to contact the Immigration Services Division at 212-335-3600, regardless of immigration status.

How to Check a Realtor's License in New York

If you're worried your New York State Realtor license is expired, checking its status is easy, says Aceableagent.

There is an online service for this. eAccessNY License Management SystemThe eAccessNY system is password-protected. You can use it to monitor your license status.

Realtors and brokers use eAccessNY to register for exams, submit applications, and update and renew licenses. The system also facilitates transactions and public license searches.

Anyone can check a New York State realtor or broker's license.

Search is available on the website Division of Licensing ServicesYou don't need a realtor account to search. You can search by name, license number, or the company the realtor represents.

What the system shows after entering data:

• realtor's name;
• classification of a person (agent or broker);
• license number;
• the expiration date of the license.

Clicking on a hyperlink with a name will open a detailed card.

It will indicate the realtor's professional address and the "related party name" - the company he represents.

The eAccessNY system helps you determine if the person you're dealing with has a valid license.