C. Florida Cops Pinch Suspect Allegedly Posing As Real Estate Agent Holding Open Houses At Vacant, F'closed Homes, Duping Would-Be Buyers Out Of Cash

In Central Florida, the Tampa Bay Times reports:

• A Polk County man has been accused of collecting down payments of homes that were not for sale — and state authorities believe some of his victims are in the Tampa Bay area. Paul Vencatasawmy, 41, has been arrested on fraud charges in connection with a couple of transactions, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement says.
  
  
• So far, they've identified victim losses that add up to $380,000 but believe there's more.
  
  
• Vencatasawmy posed as a real estate agent selling properties. Though he had some affiliations with legitimate companies, the FDLE said he struck out on his own to do these fraudulent transactions.

For more, see State investigators believe realty fraud case has Tampa Bay ties.

See also, WFTV Channel 9: Investigators: Fake real estate agent stole thousands from residents:

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents claimed Vencatasawmy held open houses at homes that were in foreclosure or vacant.