Willoughby Police are investigating two reports of house rental scams that originated on Facebook Marketplace for residences in the city.
According to Detective Lieutenant John Begovic, the first report on Dec. 30 was from a couple, one residing in Aurora and the other in Chardon, who found a rental listing on Facebook Marketplace for the residence at 3092 Lost Nation Road.
They made contact with a male who identified himself as Kyle Averson, the property manager, and had a heavy Indian accent.
The couple completed a self-guided tour of the residence and decided to go forward with the lease. They provided personal information for a background check and were immediately approved.
According to Begovic, Averson directed them to send the first month’s rent in total of $1,295 and a security deposit for $700 (later $1,000) through Zelle. They attempted to send the money, but their bank stopped the transaction because it was suspicious. They became suspicious and were able to locate the actual rental agency — Imagine Homes.
The couple spoke with someone from the company who advised them Kyle Averson does not work for them. They checked further and found the same house on other legitimate rental websites for $1,995.
They are not at any financial loss.
The second report of suspected housing scam was taken on Jan. 2.
According to Begovic, a man who resides in Perry found the same rental listing on Facebook Marketplace and contacted Averson. The man toured the house as well and decided to rent the home from Averson.
The man was emailed a rental contract and was instructed to send $1,000. He did so via the Walmart to Walmart payment system. He arrived at the residence shortly after and waited to retrieve his keys but no one arrived, according to Begovic.
Averson’s Facebook profile picture is that of actor Michael J. Fox.
The incident is currently under investigation.
