Amanda Shaddick Rental Fraud - I need your help Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

This was a highly elusive rental scam on Craigslist that I fell victim to.

It was the last week of Oct and I was looking for a place to stay for 3 months (Nov - Jan) to study for an exam while working part-time. I found what seemed to be the perfect rental ad: 3 month sublet, affordable rent, and very close to work.

The person advertising the unit was the current tenant of the apartment. I met her in person and she seemed trustworthy. I viewed her apartment, obtained her personal info, signed the Residential Tenancy Agreement, and paid her a lump sum by check. Soon after, I found out I'd been given the wrong keys. I called my bank, but they said it was too late to cancel the cheque. The fraudster disappeared with over $2,700 of my money and did not pay her landlord rent for the month of November.

I filed a police statement and met with an officer. The officer told me he could not do much to help me and suggested I speak with a lawyer. I called a lawyer and he told me that my claim amount is lower than the lawyer fees - so hiring a lawyer is not worthwhile for me.

I found the fraudster's facebook profile and it was set for public view. A few days later, the fraudster's profile disappeared. Luckily, I saved her pictures and list of friends' contacts when the profile was still active. I sent a message to all her friends telling them my story and urging them to contact the officer assigned to my case if they have any information.
 
I got a text message from the fraudster saying she has my money but has no intention to pay me back. The timing of this message could not have been worse. It was 1 week before my important exams. The stress was so high it caused me to visit my doctor and obtain medication.

As documentation, I have the fraudster's personal info, phone, e-mail, pictures, and friends' contacts. I have a copy of my cheque, a copy of her craigslist ad, and her text message (confirming she has my money). I also have her former landlord as witness/support to my case.

The police, banks, and lawyers have turned me down. Ripoffreport.com is my only avenue left. My financial loss is significant to me, as I am only a student working part-time to pay my tuition and basic living expenses. At this point, I have given up hope in our system and am trying my best to regain faith in humanity and move on.

Thank you for reading.