CARLSBAD, Calif. – On January 30, City of Carlsbad Police Department Investigators arrested 46-year-old David Fino of Illinois, for numerous theft and fraud related charges related to a vacation rental scam. Fino was arrested with the assistance of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in the 11000 block of Hwy 76 in Pala, California.
In December of 2019, Fino rented a condominium in Carlsbad. While occupying the vacation rental, it is suspected that Fino stole appliances and electronic equipment from the unit.
Further, Fino reportedly posed as the rental property owner and re-rented the property by placing online rental ads on Craigslist, Sublet, and VRBO. Fino would then fraudulently contract with potential renters which included accepting online down payments.
Investigators have identified and have been working with six victims of this online rental scam.
Investigators believe there could be more victims. Anyone that believes they are a victim of this scheme are asked to contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. Once your report has been filed, please contact Detective DzungLuc at 760-931-2173. For reference, the Carlsbad Police Department cases number is 19-8590.
Fino was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Vista Detention facility on theft and fraud charges. Fino is currently being held on $120k bail.
For more information
Lt. Kevin Lehan, General Investigations Commander, 760-931-2166 or kevin.lehan@carlsbadca.gov
Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Public Information Officer, 760-931-2105 or Jodee.reyes@carlsbadca.gov
