On January 21, a U. of I. student answered a Facebook advertisement for an apartment sublease and paid $550 for the application fee and security deposit. When the student asked to see the apartment, the supposed property owner asked for more money. The student attempted on March 4 to transfer the money as directed to a third party using the Zelle mobile app, but the transaction was declined. At that point, the student determined it was a scam and contacted police.