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Student Loses All Belongings in Facebook Rental Scam
4 Jul
Summary
- A student was scammed after signing a fake lease via Facebook Marketplace.
- His belongings were left outside and damaged after two days.
- The scammer used a self-showing system and convincing paperwork.
A college student in Greensboro, North Carolina, faced a devastating housing scam after responding to a Facebook Marketplace rental listing. The 20-year-old signed a lease and moved his belongings into an apartment he believed was legitimately rented. This occurred recently, as the student's plight was reported in July 2026.
Two days after moving in, the student returned to find all his possessions outside, damaged, and a no-trespassing sign affixed to the door. The total loss was estimated at $1,300. The scam involved a convincing lease and a self-showing system, leaving the victim unaware of the deception until it was too late.
Authorities and the Federal Trade Commission are warning renters about such scams. They advise verifying property management details independently and being cautious of payment requests via cash apps or unusual methods. Renters can report such incidents to local law enforcement and the FTC.
