Why don't you give the stranger a visit and check up his document.

I guess the landlord owe money and the property is taken back by the bank and sell through lelong. The faster you check it's true, quickly stop payment to the previous lanlord.

The worst could happen: losing your rental and utility deposit.

Police are best at handling civil case. Never heard them solving landlord tenant dispute.

I wonder is the a small court for such trival matter?
If this goes to lower court, all parties will lose out.