Man arrested for allegedly scamming potential renters through Craigslist

University police are searching for a man who allegedly has scammed victims out of money while pretending to lease them apartments on Craigslist.

James Webb Hunter III, 37, allegedly has a history of stealing from potential renters in the period between when one lease ends and another lease begins for an apartment, according to a UCPD alert. Police did not immediately respond to calls for comment about the location of the apartments.

UCPD arrested Hunter Oct. 5 on a charge of theft by false pretenses. He was released on bond Oct. 9, and is set to appear in court Wednesday morning.

He was seen on campus Friday near Bruin Plate, residential restaurant on the Hill.

Hunter is white, 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, and goes by the names Jim Hunter, James Chase and James Webb, according to police.

He drives a 2004 white Ford Taurus, with a prior plate number of 6YEG332 and a current plate number of 7HAL689.

Police recommend students check with apartment management before signing lease documents.

Anybody with information about Hunter or who has been scammed by him can call UCPD at (310) 825-9371.

Compiled by Sam Hoff, Bruin senior staff.