During these uncertain times, more and more people are struggling to pay their bills as the pandemic takes its toll on the economy.
In fact, per CNN, 10 million Americans filed for unemployment in March, and according to the National Multifamily Housing Council, nearly one-third of US renters were unable to pay their rent between April 1 and April 5.
However, despite the fact we've seen multiple stories of generous landlords waiving rent for their struggling tenants, others are sadly attempting to capitalize on the situation by preying on the desperate.
Inside Edition has outed a man - who calls himself "Eddie" - who had advertised a room on Craigslist looking for a "submissive female" in return for a free room.
Watch "Eddie" confronted by the Inside Edition team below:The disturbing room share ad read: "During these hard times covid-19 has thrown many in a tail spin... If you are a submissive female (20- 50) years old and into the SM lifestyle on a moderate to extreme level... and wanting to barter session/playtime once per week in lieu of rent we should talk. [sic]"
Inside Edition producer Alycia Powers then posed as a potential renter and responded to "Eddie's" ad.
Unbelievably, "Eddie" responded to Alycia, saying he wanted to test the "arrangement" first at a hotel room, providing the producer with bizarre instructions that left no doubt regarding his true intentions.
Powers said: "He says to wear my hair down, no jewelry, and minimal makeup. And then meet him in the room, undress, and put on a pair of stilettos he got me."
In an effort to confront "Eddie" on his sick plan, Powers was hooked up with a wire and hidden camera, and agreed to meet the landlord at a Days Inn on Long Island. A team of Inside Edition producers were also strategically scattered throughout the parking lot.
"Eddie" then texted Powers saying her had checked in and asked her to meet him by his room. However, for safety reasons, Powers asked "Eddie" to meet her by her car.
Soon after, the landlord pulled up next to her, where he was confronted by the Inside Edition crew.
When "Eddie" was asked why he was attempting to take advantage of women amid the outbreak, the landlord responded, saying: "No. She had the choice to take up on the offer", and denied that their arrangement was ever for sex.
After Eddie had fled the scene, he later called to apologize - telling Powers he was "truly sorry" and that he was a "decent guy".
US attorney for the District of Vermont Christina Nolan was recently tapped by Attorney General William Barr to investigate reports that some landlords are soliciting sexual favors in exchange for rent.
Nolan said: "It's a despicable thing to do. It's not going to be tolerated and it's not legal."
