Victim Location 44146
Total money lost $135
Type of a scam Rental
On September 10, 2019 I reached a company by the name of arentals1 aka Affordable Rentals LLC on Instagram on behalf of my boyfriend Brian Latham. He had a stroke 3 years ago, and I handle all of his business. I spoke with them briefly through direct message (DM). I was sent an application via email, and was told the application fee is $35. I sent the $35 via cash app to (Affordable Rentals). I then contacted them by phone (216-200-6628) and spoke Mr. Dion Waits. He advised me that he will check the Application, and do a credit check, rental history check, and a background check which means I had to provide a Social Security number, my address, and all my personal information. I heard back from Mr. Waits a couple days later, he stated I would need to speak to his Credit repair guy Mr. Lue Williams. I spoke to Mr. Williams September 24, 2019. He advised since it was only 1 Inquiry on the credit he will charge $100.00 anything more than 3, but less than 10 he would charge $350. We also speak via text, and he advised me that there was more than inquiry on the credit check, and it would be $200. I checked Credit Karma and Experian both only showed 1 inquiry. Mr. Williams then stated ok just send the $100. At that moment a red flag went up. I then sent $100 via cash app. A couple of days later I sent a direct Message to the Instagram page, and asked how do I secure my spot with a home. A reply was sent right back that I would have to put down half of the monthly, which would go toward your 1st month’s rent. I then tried to go on the Instagram page, and I was blocked, their page is private you have to follow them to see the homes. Which I wasn’t able to do anymore. I send several messages via Direct Message no response. I called Mr. Wait several times no answer or call back. I also called Mr. Williams no answer or call back. I asked 2 of my friends to call (I had shared Affordable Rentals information with them because they are looking to move as well). Mr. Waits called back one of them, and I came to the phone and spoke to Mr. Waits and advised him that I was unable to go to the Instagram page, and believe I was blocked, and I hope this isn’t a scam. Mr. Waits stated I can assure we aren’t a scam and your credit information will be back in a couple of days. Things still seems fishy. So I contacted BBB. They advised me this is a scam. The address on their Instagram Page, 2700 Airport Dr. Columbus, Ohio 43219 is not their office. I want 135.00 returned to my account and for them to be shut down so they can’t scam anyone else.