Woman ripped off renters in Inwood

INWOOD (WABC) -- Renters were ripped off by a heartless scammer who preys on families hoping to secure a spot in an affordable housing development in Manhattan.

The woman posed as a leasing agent for a new building in Inwood.

She charged victims between $2,000 and $3,000 in deposit money to secure apartments.

Victims say when they tried to get into their apartment their keys didn't work.

Local leaders addressed the scam at a town hall meeting Tuesday night.

The victims say they believe the woman has fled the country.