LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — Too often devious scams target those who can least afford it.
A Lebanon family faces homelessness after losing thousands on a bogus rental. They believe they were targeted because of their desperate situation.
These are good people facing hard times.
A family of six — with two children and three adults with special needs in subsidized housing — was targeted with an offer of a larger housing.
It was a setup.
"Very upset. It's my fault," said Rebecca Skidmore.
She started crying in church.
"I'm sorry," she said.
She is heartbroken and blames herself. Her family of six had given notice at Upton Heights federal housing in Lebanon excited to move.
"We were all packed up and ready to go," Skidmore added.
They paid more than $3,000 to a broker online to secure this new townhouse.
In text messages, Skidmore trusted the broker as a gentleman who would keep his word.
She said he manipulated her calling her "my love" and always asking for more money.
Then on move-in day, the family found the place was already occupied.
"What did you see when you went over to the house?" I asked.
"A bunch of people living there. We got scammed big time," said Skidmore.
Now the family faces homelessness having given notice at their existing apartment, and having no means to find a new place.
"We are all on social security and survivor benefits. I have no more money," said Skidmore.
Friends believe the family — because of their desperation for more space — were taken advantage of.
"I feel like they were targeted that they knew what kind of situation they were in where they were at in life," said Justin Davis.
Lebanon police have been notified, but recovering money from online scams like this rarely happens. The family isn't sure now what to do next.
Detectives say these rental scams are becoming more prevalent.
People need to be wary of social media posts and personally check on claims of available apartments.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nick.beres@newschannel5.com.
Another example of how one person can truly make a difference. And the best part - we all can help! As a nurse, Laura handles emergencies every day. But nothing could prepare her for the emergency that brought her hometown to its knees. From her current home in Tennessee, she's mobilizing aid and supplies for Helene survivors and is helping make their recovery easier and their holidays brighter. I hope you take a moment to watch her story - you might even feel inspired to lend a helping hand.
-Rebecca Schleicher
