NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- Several people said they have been scammed by Mathew Kaponis, who has been charged with larceny.

“We went ahead and gave him a deposit that day (on an apartment), first and last month security,” said Dave Karnuk.

He and others said Kaponis owes them money.

Karnuk said he’s out $2,000 for the apartment in New Britain he tried to rent from Kaponis.

Karnuk said that two days before he and his wife and infant were supposed to move into the apartment, it wasn't ready. He said Kaponis told him he was in the hospital but could have his money back.

"I would call him he would say, ‘Meet me here,’ but he wouldn't show up,” said Darnuk. “He wouldn't answer his phone. I would get a text message a day later, he was doing this and couldn't get away. It was all lies and nonsense."

Eventually, Kaponis gave him a check, he said, but it wasn't any good.

"I did get a check from him for $2,000 from a closed account,” said Darnuk. “The bank account was closed."

The apartment was on Craigslist.

Others, like Michael Bonomonte, said they had similar experiences. He said he gave Kaponis money, but again, the apartment hadn't been renovated, and they are out thousands as well.

Then there are people like Karen Goulet, who said Kaponis promised to get her a better rate on her mortgage. She said she’s out $3,000.

“I want my money back and make sure he doesn't do this to anyone else,” she said. “He should be in prison. He doesn't seem to have any consequences for his actions."