SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County couple thought they'd found their dream rental home and even put money down on a deposit, only to find out they were being scammed.
The home, on Howard Avenue in Longwood, is for rent, but the people who showed the house to the couple don't own it.
The couple said they paid $100 of a $1,100 deposit, but before they handed over the rest of the cash they realized they were being cheated and called the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Stephanie Selbe and her boyfriend said they thought the three-bedroom, two-bath house was the perfect place to call home.
"We came across an ad that said $750 a month, first month is free, all you need is $1,100 down for your security deposit and then you move in," said Selbe.
Investigators said that a Craigslist ad was posted by Melissa Diller and Kenyon Times. According to investigators, Diller and Times even opened up the house to show Selbe around.
"They were really nice, and they seemed real legit. They gave us all the information, showed us where the security box was," said Selbe.
But Selbe said her mother noticed another ad on Craigslist warning that Diller and Times were taking money for properties they didn't own.
Investigators said they called the number on the sign outside the house and learned that not only did Diller and Times not work for the company renting the property, but the house was already under a legitimate contract with other renters.
"We're like, 'Man, we are getting scammed,'" said Selbe.
On Saturday, Selbe and her boyfriend paid the remaining $1,000 of the deposit while an undercover deputy stood by, waiting to make an arrest.
"It's real messed up because we've been looking for quite a while, and we thought maybe it was a blessing in disguise. (It) completely put down our hopes, especially right before Christmas," said Selbe.
Investigators said they believe Diller and Times gained access to the home by breaking into the lockbox on the outside. They said it is a tactic that the pair may have used on at least three other homes.
"There were other victims that were out thousands of dollars and with the anticipation that they were moving into a home that wasn't rightfully theirs," said Kim Cannaday, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said prospective renters can protect themselves by doing some research. In Selbe's case, there was a sign posted outside the home for the real rental agent.
"If the listing agency and the person you're meeting don't match, you know you've got an issue," said Cannaday.
Investigators said those looking to rent can also check the county property appraiser's website to find who owns the rental property.
WFTV
