I don't want you to get killed...
From: Mr. Roommate Finders
253 W. 72nd St., Suite 1711
New York , NY 10023
(2 12) 362-0162
"They have been apprehended. This was a crime spree that began in 1990, continued in 1991, and continued in 1992 and 1993, and was still continuing through most of 1994 when they were caught. They were then released in the same year and rearrested in 1995 for the same crime. Why they were let go in the first place, I'll never figure out."
-Michael

Dear Friend,

There is was a police alert coming from the 24th precinct for people who run their own advertisements in the "Apartment to Share" column in the New York Times and in the Village Voice. (The three detectives on this case are no longer at this precinct.)

Apparently there is was a couple referred to as the "ducktape" man and the "ducktape" woman. They work as a team. Depending on what the "Apartment to Share" advertisement reads, the woman or the man responds. (The rest of this letter will be in present tense... as it was written in 1990.)

Once they come to visit your apartment they charm you into choosing him or her as your future roommate. Then they tell you they will come back on an agreed time to give you money for a deposit.

What happens next is scary

Instead they bring with them another person faking it as just a good friend. The friend then points a gun at your face, instructs you to sit in a chair and the person who you thought was going to be your future roommate proceeds to "ducktape" you in the chair. (Not all of the victims were ducktaped, some were handcuffed to radiators in their bathrooms; many victims were both handcuffed and ducktaped... I guess it's safe to assume that neither happened to some of the victims.)

After strapping you down with ducktape they rob you of your money and your belongings.

What the police are saying

And the police tell me they have not killed anyone, nor have they hurt anyone, but it's only a matter of time in this crazy city of ours.

Why have you not heard about this in the news?

I've been in close contact with the police and have voiced my opposition to the police department about going public with this crime spree.

Why?

If you think about it, it is the easiest crime in the world to commit. You are inviting the criminal into your home. He or she is not using any force. In my opinion for the police department to announce this creative crime spree would instigate more copycats.

My commitment to you

Until they capture these criminals I will keep my fee lower than the newspapers charge. Also "beef-up" my screening process which has been impeccable since 1979.

What if you can't afford to use
Roommate Finders to list your apartment?

If you can't afford the $25.00 to list your apartment, please let me know. It's too dangerous to post ads on bulletin boards or weekly neighborhood newspapers or with other agencies where it's free to advertise.

Peace.

Yours Truly,

Michael Santomauro
also known as
Mr. Roommate Finders
Have an Apartement to list? Click here and stop wasting time! Cut your rent costs NOW