Michael DeCarvalho Reports & Reviews

Michael DeCarvalho Reports & Reviews (1)

Scammer's phone (469) 772-0792
Scammer's website Apartments.com
Scammer's email [email protected]
Country United States
Type of a scam Rental
Initial means of contact Email

Scam occurred in Columbus, Ohio. I responded to a listing for a rental on Apartments.com and a man (claiming to be a couple) emailed me with a rental application. I filled it out and sent it back. The next day he emailed back and said that he had chosen me out of many other applicants. He said he and his wife lived out of state in Virginia and due to the pandemic he couldn’t see me in person. He told me to visit the property and I did. It was vacant and as described/pictured. He told me to transfer him a $700 security deposit so he could mail the lease documents and keys. After I wired him money, he sent me a fake (yet realistic) lease agreement. I did more investigating and found out the house was recently put up for sale. I called the real estate agent and he told me the whole thing was a fraud. Now the guy won’t send me back the money but I’ve filed reports and protected my personal information that I originally gave out. DONT FALL FOR IT. DO YOUR RESEARCH. HE DID HIS. His fake name even matched the previous owner of the property. Please don’t send anyone money without touring the property, even during COVID. Don’t fall for fake emails, leases, and made up stories about them relocating out of state. Save yourself the grief. Also, beware of “rental” emails that aren’t associated with an established local leasing company. Protect yourself. Better safe than sorry.

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