Metro woman warns others of rental scam that took her for nearly $2,000

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — A metro Atlanta woman is warning other prospective renters to be careful.

“He took all my money,” Brandy East told Channel 2 investigative reporter Justin Gray.

The security deposit and the first month’s rent East says she paid to rent a Fayette County home is more than $1,800.

She found it on Facebook Marketplace.

“I’m a waitress, so I have to make my money each day. I work, and I have to save it to get to that point,” East said.

She was trying to move herself and her daughter out of the small studio apartment they are sharing.

But after filling out an application, using a code to tour the home and paying the money, the alleged landlord was a no-show when it came time to turn over the keys.

“I’ve never been scammed like this before. If I can’t get my money back, at least I can try to keep him from doing it to someone else,” East said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Amber Alert: Missing 4-year-old found, mother in custody
• Man steals gold, other valuables from Dahlonega gold mine
• 2 masked gunmen shoot Waffle House worker, rob restaurant in middle Georgia

If it sounds familiar, it is because we’ve told you about similar schemes before on Channel 2 Action News.

Last year, Jeremy Kelly had to move all his things into a storage unit after finding out the Mableton home he’d already moved into was part of a rental scam.

A Barrow County woman, Megan Llewallyn, won a six-figure civil lawsuit against the fake landlord who pulled the same scheme on her.

When Gray left a message for the person claiming to own the Fayetteville home, he quickly texted back asking if Gray was calling regarding his property for rent in Norcross.

When Gray called back, introduced himself and asked about the rental scheme, the man said he did not understand and hung up.

Channel 2 consumer advisor Clark Howard has a good piece of advice for prospective renters who find a home online.

“Go talk to the neighbors and see what they know about the property before you rent it,” Howard said.

Other warning signs: if the home is listed somewhere else for rent for more than you are being offered and if the landlord wants to use money-sharing apps like Zelle or Cash App.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Family has no idea why father was target of road rage killing

©2022 Cox Media Group