Help immigrant families scammed out of rent money

Vulnerable Central American immigrants in New Bedford, desperate to find affordable housing in a rapidly gentrifying city, were preyed upon by an unscrupulous local con artist, Victor Tiu López (currently in police custody). Mr. López falsely represented himself as the owner of several apartment buildings, and took thousands of dollars in "deposits", promising to hold the apartments for the families he scammed. But he wasn't the owner, and over 15 families lost thousands of dollars -- in some cases representing a large part of their savings.

 

While the New Bedford police arrested Mr. López, it is unlikely that they will be able to recoup the money, so CCT is raising funds to help these families get back on their feet.