Russell and Linda Callahan have bounced around from rental to rental over the past two decades. But it’s not because they keep switching jobs or moving for work, it’s because they could only get away with not paying rent for so long at each place.
As NBC 10 Boston reported, the couple was recently indicted in Worcester Superior Court on 28 criminal counts for allegedly scamming landlords over the last 20 years. Not only did they fail to pay rent, but they also lied and forged documents to get approved for the properties they moved into.
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"I trusted them," a former landlord told NBC 10 Boston.
Now, the couple faces jail time for taking money they were entitled to.
When criminal behavior catches up to you
The Callahans have earned a reputation as "professional tenants." They’ve scammed landlords across Massachusetts by forging pay stubs, submitting fake credit reports and bouncing security deposit checks.
In total, the couple defrauded landlords out of more than $100,000, according to NBC 10 Boston. Over the past 20 years, they’ve been evicted more than 20 times.
Among their victims are a single mom, a couple saving to start a family and a veteran who was deployed overseas.
Sitanshu Sinha and his wife, Shilpi Gupta, rented their Shrewsbury property to the couple in 2023 after receiving fake documents. When the Callahans’ rent checks kept bouncing, the landlords had to take $30,000 out of their kids’ college savings to cover the costs of evictions.
"It was financially very stressful for us," Gupta said.
The Callahans pleaded not guilty and were released on $2,500 bail to home confinement. But it’s unclear as to what "home" means, since they’ve been ordered to stay away from their most recent rental — a Worcester property they’ve lived in since April, where they owe more than $17,000 in unpaid rent.
Their next court date is scheduled for August 20.
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What landlords can learn from this
It’s common to hear about tenants being scammed by fake rental listings, but landlords can just as easily fall victim to dishonest renters.
Scammers like the Callahans often target small, independent landlords who may not have the same tools or experience as big property management firms. And it’s oftens these "mom and pop" landlords who can least afford to absorb the financial hit when a tenant doesn’t pay.
If you’re a landlord, it’s important to vet each applicant thoroughly. Start by running a full credit and background check after verifying a valid form of ID. Because driver’s licenses can be easy to fake, you may want to ask for a Real ID or passport.
Don’t just glance at a few pay stubs. Those can be forged, too, or the tenant may have lost their job since those payments were made. Always contact the employer directly to confirm their employment status and don’t use the phone number the applicant provides. Look it up yourself.
You might also consider requesting a recent W-2 or tax return to get a better picture of the applicant’s finances.
When collecting upfront payments like first month’s rent or a security deposit, ask for a bank or cashier’s check instead of a personal check. Personal checks can bounce, while bank checks are guaranteed by the issuing bank.
Certified checks are another option. While technically personal checks, certified checks have been verified and funds are usually frozen by the bank until they’re cashed.
It’s also a good idea to brush up on local landlord-tenant laws, including your state’s eviction process. Rules can vary depending on where you live, so knowing your rights ahead of time can save you headaches later.
Finally, make sure you have a financial cushion in place so you’re not relying on a tenant’s rent to cover your mortgage. Whether it’s an emergency fund or liquid investments, it’s crucial to have a backup plan.
If a tenant stops paying rent, your ability to pay your own bills could take a hit, and that could lead to credit damage or worse. Even tenants who aren’t trying to scam you can fall on hard times. Protect yourself so a missed payment doesn’t turn into a long-term financial setback.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
