Mother Scammed Out of Rent Money by Fake Listing

A Mableton mother recently experienced a significant rental scam after finding a convincing listing on Facebook Marketplace. Believing she had secured a home, Natalie Turner proceeded with a tour, signed a lease, and paid a deposit and first month's rent through Zelle. The scammer provided a professional-looking lease and even made repairs to the property, increasing credibility.

The fraudulent arrangement unraveled when Turner arrived to move in with her baby and dog, finding the home locked and the scammer unresponsive. After contacting authorities, she learned from Opendoor security and police that she had been scammed, as Opendoor properties are never rented out.

Opendoor has warned the public about such scams, where criminals use real listing details for fake rentals. They advise renters to verify ownership before payment by checking property records or contacting companies directly via official websites. The company did offer financial assistance to Turner due to her loss.