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IGOT SCAMMED
SEPT 2025
I GOT SCAMMED!
By Alexya Isanski & Michelle Ritson
When looking for a home to rent so that we could stay in Leesburg, CJ and I found various listings through ads on Facebook Marketplace and online. At the time, while we were hoping to rent in The Plantation, there was nothing available, or homes were more than we expected to pay, as we were on a budget. After much searching, there was one particular home in the Villages that I had my heart set on that was “For Rent, By Owner”, and it was at a stellar price. I thought to myself, “Perfect! We can also avoid realtor and management fees!”. Fees that sometimes accompany going through a real estate agent by going this route.
The home address was not listed but I wanted to scout the area, neighborhood, and home itself before calling to make an appointment. With a little internet sleuthing and some reverse image searching, I was able to pinpoint the address of the home through a Zillow listing, as it had at one point been on the market.
Upon arriving at the house, there was a large white poster board in the front window, with thick black handwritten message that read, “THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR RENT, AIRBNB, OR SALE - PLEASE DO NOT KNOCK ON THE DOOR!”.
After knocking on the door and having a lengthy conversation, we found out that someone was posting fake ads for homes to rent on Facebook and AirBnb. The fraudsters were accepting the money online from long distance buyers/renters who did not have the ability to see the property in advance. The owners were receiving 1-2 unlucky scam targets per week, hoping to stay in their home, but were obviously turned away.
After speaking with the homeowners, I was shocked at how many people paid online, showed up expecting to move in or vacation rent for a week, and were now in a precarious situation, having no place to stay, scrambling to figure out a new housing situation. I then looked on Facebook to see how many more listings were similar to this one. I was shocked to see that over half had similar scam characteristics.
This is an example of an attempt at REAL ESTATE FRAUD and demonstrates the importance of having a seasoned realtor who has thoroughly vetted a property, acts on your behalf, and ensures your transaction is secure.
I spoke with Michelle Ritson, a Plantation resident and REALTOR®, who filled me in on all the scams she encounters as a Plantation realtor, and what she does to ensure her 55+ clients are never taken advantage of. I was SHOCKED to learn how many scams there are!
She told me about an incident that recently happened to her:
Story from Michelle
In September 2024, I received a phone call from a very well-spoken man who was interested in purchasing a property in Leesburg. The man stated he would be a cash buyer and complete the transaction as soon as possible, for fear that someone else would buy the Property out from beneath him.
Following my normal practices, I opened a file on this person, started to gather all pertinent information, and researched the property. During these efforts, I realized that the property had already been sold four months prior. I notified the client, who then changed his interest to a parcel next to the one he initially stated, which was not for sale, but he wanted it “at any cost.”
I also became very suspicious when I asked the buyer, and now a co-buyer, to produce some form of Identity verification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card. The clients were unable to do this, stating they did not have this type of identification, but could send me copies of their passports. After receiving copies of their passports, I became skeptical.
After a multitude of conversations where the buyers attempted to overcome any objections that I proposed, they asked me to meet with a third buyer who would deliver a full cash payment for this property. Needless to say, all of these circumstances activated my suspicion, and I reached out to my title company to review the property and passport copies that were emailed to me. The title company advised me that this was a fraudulent attempt at a transaction and that the passports were counterfeit.
Because of my inquiries, the buyers became noticeably uncomfortable speaking with me, and terminated all further communications.
Michelle also blew my mind when she told me about these scams as well:
To protect yourself, it's crucial to work with a seasoned and trustworthy real estate professional. Like Michelle Ritson, a Plantation resident and REALTOR® and trusted Plantation Partner who can help navigate complex transactions, identify potential red flags, and ensure that all aspects of the process are handled ethically and securely—providing peace of mind and safeguarding your investment.
Common Real Estate Scams
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A buyer moves out of the house to a different state, expecting the realtor to show the home i their absence, but the realtor rents out the home instead.
A homeowner hires property managers who find renters, but never report the income to the Landlord.
Scammers advertise homes below market value to attract buyers. At the last minute, they claim unforeseen issues or “deal falls through,” then pressure you into signing a contract at a higher price.
Predatory Lending - Scammers prey on Florida homeowners—with high fixed-income populations or retirees—by encouraging repeated refinancing, layering hidden fees and increased loan costs.
Identity thieves may forge deeds or transfer quitclaim deeds on vacation homes—or even targeted households—without the owner’s knowledge. With more high-value and absentee-owned homes, this risk is increasing, especially with forgery u
sing AI-generated documents.
The real estate industry is rife with scams involving property titles, lending, home inspections, and fraudulent deed transfers. These schemes can lead to significant financial loss and legal complications for unsuspecting buyers and sellers. To protect yourself, it's crucial to work with a seasoned and trustworthy real estate professional. Like Michelle Ritson, a Plantation resident and REALTOR® and trusted Plantation Partner who can help navigate complex transactions, identify potential red flags, and ensure that all aspects of the process are handled ethically and securely—providing peace of mind and safeguarding your investment.
Written by
Alexya Isanski & Michelle Ritson
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435 - 772 -1986
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