Group accused of squatting in DeKalb home says they were conned; homeowner relieved they’re gone

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  • Опубліковано 4 бер 2024
  • DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies responded Monday to evict suspected squatters from a house whose owner said they broke into illegally and changed the locks. “I’m frustrated, but I’m glad I was able to get it resolved,” the homeowner said.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @mikehughes8023
    @mikehughes8023 2 місяці тому +996

    Showing a fake lease should be grounds for an arrest. Georgia needs to tighten up on the codes!🔥

    • @aliciaknott8109
      @aliciaknott8109 2 місяці тому +20

      This is a ongoing issues with squatter, fake owners or management companies. I would never get into the rental property for this reason. You definitely have to hire house sitters, even when you go on vacation.

    • @musictosoothe
      @musictosoothe 2 місяці тому +22

      Yes, it is fraud....should be a pretty severe jail term.

    • @tslavens3092
      @tslavens3092 2 місяці тому +26

      He is probably telling the truth that he was scammed out of money. By fake owner it happens more than you think.

    • @hotmesssouthernmom4542
      @hotmesssouthernmom4542 2 місяці тому +27

      It happened to me and it can happen to anyone. I was living in a house for about 2 months when I hear something banging on the door. It was a friend of the owner who came to check on the house. The owner lives in California. I truly believed that the lease was legit. For anyone wondering, it’s a civil matter. But we found a place and moved out. What a nightmare.

    • @truthseekerlooking101
      @truthseekerlooking101 2 місяці тому +12

      Theft by deception.

  • @Cloudz2021
    @Cloudz2021 2 місяці тому +1196

    If they were renting (mentioned a lease), you can't change the locks without the landlord's approval. Bad lie.

    • @alphaomega5909
      @alphaomega5909 2 місяці тому +65

      Landlord here, West Michigan, Ottawa county. EXACTLY. In my leases if THEIR keys even Lost? For whatever reason ONLY I CAN AUTHORIZE n Do a Lock change.

    • @mothernature8893
      @mothernature8893 2 місяці тому +68

      Who is going to believe anything a squatter says?

    • @Cloudz2021
      @Cloudz2021 2 місяці тому +28

      @mothernature8893 The cops apparently. Instead of being arrested for breaking and entering, they said it was civil suit.

    • @DestinyAlready
      @DestinyAlready 2 місяці тому +42

      It’s the scammers that did that; the occupiers aren’t lying.

    • @alphaomega5909
      @alphaomega5909 2 місяці тому +32

      @@DestinyAlready BWWWWWAHHHAHA. Sarcasm Id hope. If not,,kiddo I AM AN ACTUAL Landlord, 12 houses in Ottawa county West Michigan. No Renter/Adult has to BREAK In, Change locks to gain entry to their new Rental, EVER? Know I LOATH Liars, Grifters n con artists. Plus those who knowingly make excuses for them to,,like. You.

  • @JWPhotosanddesigns
    @JWPhotosanddesigns 2 місяці тому +145

    I’m glad the homeowner was able to get his home back.

    • @belizeanalienify
      @belizeanalienify 2 місяці тому +1

      I know right. This wouldn’t have been the case in NYC.

  • @beverleyrichards7818
    @beverleyrichards7818 2 місяці тому +39

    I went through something like that. I lost $5000 behind it. A guy said he was a realtor. Wrote up a rental lease. We got a house then. People showed up saying it was theirs. I left. I was scammed. So it does happen

    • @jen-a-purr
      @jen-a-purr Місяць тому +4

      It may happen but that’s not the case here.

    • @lifedoesntstop...6847
      @lifedoesntstop...6847 Місяць тому

      This happened in Georgia?

    • @Chicagowhitesox-iz6zl
      @Chicagowhitesox-iz6zl Місяць тому

      😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @k2000b
      @k2000b 16 днів тому

      lesson here dealing with some scam person other then the legit owner of a property " a house" you can back search it by address on a property assessors or tax collectors office you can even by address and Name check US phone book see if things match up or call the owner to check he's got some realtor or rental management company doing it for him.. also what about the check that you wrote out someone had to get the funds for it some how.

  • @Boutys_mom
    @Boutys_mom 2 місяці тому +914

    Now the poor guy has to clean up that mess. Well, at least he got his home back quick!

    • @user-nr2ds5ql1b
      @user-nr2ds5ql1b 2 місяці тому +58

      The real kicker is he wanted to rent it for low income individuals or families (government subsidized) … can’t even help people these days all greed

    • @SpaceRanger187
      @SpaceRanger187 2 місяці тому +21

      The reporter talking to guy as if this scam doesn't happen all the time. People are losing their houses because they are being sold and nothing is being done about it

    • @patmcbride9853
      @patmcbride9853 2 місяці тому +39

      Squatters always make the house look like a trash dump.
      Easy way to know they are squatting.

    • @free_icecream76
      @free_icecream76 2 місяці тому

      Well people do get conned by fake real estate agents. My sister got conned into paying a $800 deposit one time to someone on Facebook luckily it didn't go far enough to where she moved into somewhere she wasn't supposed but she was out $800. If you're skilled enough you can probably smooth talk her out of a kidney.

    • @terryb.9719
      @terryb.9719 2 місяці тому +15

      What a mess they left.

  • @galewinds7696
    @galewinds7696 2 місяці тому +578

    Lying like a rug on the floor....

    • @Stephanie-vn6ir
      @Stephanie-vn6ir 2 місяці тому +39

      I haven't heard that one in years!😂

    • @Gfysimpletons
      @Gfysimpletons 2 місяці тому +21

      WHAT? You can always trust a man with gun tattoos on his throat!
      I learned that in college
      😅

    • @Grombow45
      @Grombow45 2 місяці тому +13

      Good one!!!😂

    • @roshelltannen9698
      @roshelltannen9698 2 місяці тому +3

      Yes.

    • @Mr_Joseph979
      @Mr_Joseph979 2 місяці тому +15

      As soon as the guy came to the door saying, " I'll tell you the trooff"- I knew he was lying😅

  • @ChristKingdomFamily
    @ChristKingdomFamily 2 місяці тому +32

    This actually almost happened to my family. Someone posted a house for rent online and told us that they were lived out of town but owned investment properties in my city and could send all the leasing documents via email. Luckily I investigated further. It was scam. I found the owner of the house and they didn't even know their property was being advertised online.

  • @nekishacosey778
    @nekishacosey778 2 місяці тому +26

    My daughter got scammed just like this. A entire lease and everything. These scam artist are something else. She had all the proof that she wasn’t squatting by choice. Moved out of her apartment after paying 3500. We moved all her things into storage when we found out. The property management company advised us that they have a few folks who have been scammed. Just evil and played as a real estate broker. Be careful out there and if it doesn’t feel right, double and triple check but call the company directly.

    • @Elleliza3501
      @Elleliza3501 2 місяці тому +3

      Yep, happens all the time, it's ridiculous. So sorry about your daughter, there is a place in hell for people who exploit the vulnerable.

    • @tech-bore8839
      @tech-bore8839 Місяць тому +3

      That's what gets me about all of these news stories about squatters, the lack of follow-up into the scam claims. Seems like everyone is too quick to label the situation as "squatting" and close the case.

  • @r44bb98
    @r44bb98 2 місяці тому +430

    Never put any house on low-income websites, you're just asking for people to squat in it.

    • @robinb.4699
      @robinb.4699 2 місяці тому +29

      Good point!!

    • @YhwhKhaiMostHigh
      @YhwhKhaiMostHigh 2 місяці тому +33

      Or just live in it until it's rented and see if they have the guts to break in while it's occupied with gun owners.

    • @Leroy-qh9wx
      @Leroy-qh9wx 2 місяці тому +16

      ​He did the right thing in calling the police. This thing about guns makes me sick. No wonder America is considered the gun violence people on earth.

    • @marjoriemorris5849
      @marjoriemorris5849 2 місяці тому +33

      That’s a beautiful house and the owner should be able to get at least a couple grand a month in rent for it. Nice tenants will keep it nice.

    • @acer4237
      @acer4237 2 місяці тому

      @@marjoriemorris5849it’s subsidized housing, if he’s lucky it might be good tenants.

  • @WilliamsPinch
    @WilliamsPinch 2 місяці тому +450

    The scumbags should be ashamed.

    • @Exposingyou
      @Exposingyou 2 місяці тому

      They aren’t. Everything is InStiTuTionAL RaCisMs fault to them.

    • @Exposingyou
      @Exposingyou 2 місяці тому

      They aren’t. To them it is always InStitUTioNaL RaCIsmS fault.

    • @EmmaDee
      @EmmaDee 2 місяці тому +36

      Oh they’re not, at all!! They have no shame!

    • @JamesWilliams-gp6ek
      @JamesWilliams-gp6ek 2 місяці тому +35

      Not a chance. No morals or conscience.

    • @davedave3236
      @davedave3236 2 місяці тому

      But No push back for 10 Million ILLEGALS

  • @johndavis1037
    @johndavis1037 2 місяці тому +14

    There are scammers out here that actually scam people into leases in homes that are not theirs

  • @kathleenfleming7519
    @kathleenfleming7519 2 місяці тому +8

    I have heard of that kind of scam before, a scammer looks at a rental property online, presents a fake rental agreement to the victims, takes the rental money, then ghosts the victim when the actual property owner finds out. Shady 💩

  • @kimberlydill8059
    @kimberlydill8059 2 місяці тому +487

    I'm so glad he was able to get his home back.

  • @AP-gb3eh
    @AP-gb3eh 2 місяці тому +277

    I can’t believe all these people aren’t arrested for breaking and entertaining. If the squatters were conned they would be showing documents and messages to back that up.

    • @Me97202
      @Me97202 2 місяці тому +29

      Breaking and “entertaining?”

    • @theaccountant5846
      @theaccountant5846 2 місяці тому +16

      ​@Me-sq9ol they entertained him with their stories after breaking in...

    • @fashionlife5348
      @fashionlife5348 2 місяці тому

      They not in court

    • @youbadolivez
      @youbadolivez 2 місяці тому +11

      ​@@Me97202lmao 🤣 they had a cocktail party to celebrate after illegally entering.

    • @DeploraBill59
      @DeploraBill59 2 місяці тому +3

      They obviously did NOT entertain the right people! Otherwise, they'd still be in the house.

  • @debbiedebbie9473
    @debbiedebbie9473 2 місяці тому +7

    This happened to me and my boyfriend. We rented a house from an ad in the newspaper and paid rent every month... Until the REAL owner showed up and asked why we were in his house. ( We moved out and the real owner bulldozed the entire house down.)
    The guy who RAN THE AD and rented us the house was the scammer. Not us, living in the house.

    • @k2000b
      @k2000b 15 днів тому

      ahh strange he knocked down the place you could have asked if he'd take the rents from you until such time as he's ready to knock the house down.. probably replacing it with a newer building or something who knows.

  • @moniquebowens800
    @moniquebowens800 2 місяці тому +6

    Here in Florida rental scams are prevalent. Scammers claim that they are owners and some even show the property, collect money, and, present a lease. To get conned, lose money, and to get arrested would be devastating. To prevent this, always go online and check the Clerk of Court in your county in order to find the owner's name for that property BEFORE you contact anyone.

  • @Alysbar
    @Alysbar 2 місяці тому +238

    Glad this resolved so quickly.

  • @MojoPup
    @MojoPup 2 місяці тому +313

    How did he get his home back so fast!? That's amazing...and wonderful

    • @Giantcrabz
      @Giantcrabz 2 місяці тому +20

      because the tenants were likely victims of a scam like they said, and not the poor black boogeyman that terrifies so many DeKalb and Fulton NIMBYs

    • @somuchfortalent
      @somuchfortalent 2 місяці тому +1

      @@Giantcrabz why do you worships black people?

    • @MojoPup
      @MojoPup 2 місяці тому +52

      @@Giantcrabz More likely they were lying.

    • @davidjacobs8558
      @davidjacobs8558 2 місяці тому +93

      because they were on TV.
      if it wasn't on TV, it would have taken at least 7 month.

    • @user-wd9gy4ls5g
      @user-wd9gy4ls5g 2 місяці тому +12

      @@Giantcrabz imagine being this naive

  • @privateprivate5302
    @privateprivate5302 2 місяці тому +11

    I was sooo frustrated 🤬 for this man.
    I'm sooo happy he got justice ⚖️

  • @citizencoy4393
    @citizencoy4393 2 місяці тому +5

    The bigger con that is not being mentioned here is ppl posting houses on Zillow and sites like that collecting fees then dipping off and the property isn’t even theirs! There are homes that even stay posted for years collecting application fees as a business! Never leasing the home listed! Something needs to be done about this. There is no protection for renters from this chaos.

  • @marzymarrz5172
    @marzymarrz5172 2 місяці тому +90

    The owner was wise to move quickly.

  • @flrbase
    @flrbase 2 місяці тому +192

    I have rented property for years and I never allowed renters to change the locks themselves....

    • @flrbase
      @flrbase 2 місяці тому +13

      @10Xj5 since I never entered an apartment I rented out, it's no harm no foul as long as the locks are changed back or I am taking the locksmith cost out of your deposit

    • @zoe-ml8cx
      @zoe-ml8cx 2 місяці тому +4

      First sign of a squatter renters are not allowed to changed entry door locks

    • @davinehill3448
      @davinehill3448 2 місяці тому +8

      I’ve rented in the past and I absolutely changed the locks. I was never comfortable with the thought of someone having the ability to unlock a door where I was living. I would always change them back when I moved out though.

    • @josephfrechette9916
      @josephfrechette9916 2 місяці тому +1

      I've only had one apartment where the landlord let tenants change the locks without going through them. And that was only because they cought a member of property management "accidentally" making spare keys for people that didn't have a right to have them.

    • @bighorse215
      @bighorse215 2 місяці тому

      They didn't change the locks he said the locks were changed, this is a new scam going around people are renting vacant properties as fake property management companies and taking cash deposits.

  • @JoiaInATL
    @JoiaInATL 2 місяці тому +3

    Some people are waaaaay too bold. I would never put myself or my children in that position.

  • @shisley4
    @shisley4 2 місяці тому +9

    If he/they was legally renting the home, why did they change the locks? That squatter was talking crazy, he comes off like a scam artist!!

    • @Elleliza3501
      @Elleliza3501 2 місяці тому +3

      It was probably the scam artist that changed the locks, there really is no proof from the news report they did.

    • @tech-bore8839
      @tech-bore8839 Місяць тому +1

      @@Elleliza3501 That's what gets me about these stories. Seems like none of these reporters even want to entertain the idea that these people could've been scammed.

    • @Elleliza3501
      @Elleliza3501 Місяць тому

      @@tech-bore8839 💯 per cent agree!

  • @user-dw1ls3rp1l
    @user-dw1ls3rp1l 2 місяці тому +172

    NEVER include the address when you advertise your rental online. These dirtbag mooches troll the listings and will target your house.

    • @truthpoint6167
      @truthpoint6167 2 місяці тому +5

      People should have pit bulls and GSD and cameras in the house until it’s rented. 🎉

    • @hermionegardener3796
      @hermionegardener3796 2 місяці тому +6

      don't put photos of the exterior either, they comb the hood looking for it

    • @biellaspointofview2054
      @biellaspointofview2054 2 місяці тому +6

      They can still message you they’re interested in the property and if they can come take a look and soon as you give address they move in

    • @user-dw1ls3rp1l
      @user-dw1ls3rp1l 2 місяці тому

      @@biellaspointofview2054 I don't hand out the address for a meet until I have their basic info. I also don't do lockbox showings. Myself or one of my leasing agents is there, every time. This weeds out the hustlers.

  • @allegra9967
    @allegra9967 2 місяці тому +68

    Need to make friends with neighbors so they can watch your home

    • @trapmuzik6708
      @trapmuzik6708 2 місяці тому +6

      exactly in our neighborhood we go talk to every new family moving in we would know if something suspicious

    • @denisesmith6885
      @denisesmith6885 Місяць тому

      Why doesn't everyone have security cameras? You can get a complete security system for about $350.

  • @moniqueweaver5444
    @moniqueweaver5444 2 місяці тому +3

    I’m so glad he got his house back 🙏

    • @dogelife7901
      @dogelife7901 2 місяці тому

      And that these squatters will do it again to the next owner.

  • @privateprivate5302
    @privateprivate5302 2 місяці тому +11

    If they leased that property they would have been up front and gotten the lessors involved

    • @missylearned9821
      @missylearned9821 2 місяці тому +3

      Exactly. Give the name and address of the person/business that rented it to them.

    • @SHUNUMPS
      @SHUNUMPS 2 місяці тому +2

      Facts! Had they thought they were scammed, they wouldn’t have left without a fight! They too would’ve gotten the news involved.

    • @QueenK88
      @QueenK88 2 місяці тому

      exactly! he just saying that because he's on the news!

  • @justdoingitjim7095
    @justdoingitjim7095 2 місяці тому +104

    Every one of those people that say they rented the property, but then they changed the locks, that PROVES they're lying! On every lease and rental agreement I've ever seen, it says you can NOT change the locks without prior approval of the owner/manager! The owner needs to be able to come into the home to do maintenance and such! Changing the locks is PROOF you're just squatting and trying to keep the owner out!

    • @johnjones5354
      @johnjones5354 2 місяці тому +5

      Exactly!

    • @ReadyorNot811
      @ReadyorNot811 2 місяці тому +5

      Depends on the state and lease. Plenty of renters do it. The world do not just exist through your eyes.

    • @rebornlover166
      @rebornlover166 2 місяці тому +9

      If they rented the property from a scammer then obviously the lease won’t be official nor legal, therefore the scammer can put whatever bs they want in it. And maybe the scammer themselves even changed the locks. It’s like people these days can only comprehend one narrow thing and it’s sad.

    • @johnjones5354
      @johnjones5354 2 місяці тому +3

      @@rebornlover166 Even sadder are naive people who believe scammers like these squatters.

    • @rebornlover166
      @rebornlover166 2 місяці тому +8

      @@johnjones5354 I didn’t say I believed them. What’s sad is people who lack reading comprehension skills

  • @patrickmccarthy6798
    @patrickmccarthy6798 2 місяці тому +74

    It appears that we have gotten to the point where potential renters have to ask the landlord for ID and proof that they are authorized to rent this property.

    • @galewinds7696
      @galewinds7696 2 місяці тому +12

      Nothing wrong with that

    • @mikerichardson60
      @mikerichardson60 2 місяці тому

      are you gullible enough to buy the squatters story? People like you are the reason this problem persists. If they were actual tenants they wouldn't be changing the locks after breaking in now would they? They'd have these nifty trinkets called keys.

    • @sweetjanejonez
      @sweetjanejonez 2 місяці тому +3

      I never rented a house, so Idk the protocol, but I assumed that was the standard.
      That's wild if not. Being a Georgia native and knowing how slick these folks are, I need verification upon verification if money is being exchanged.

    • @musictosoothe
      @musictosoothe 2 місяці тому +3

      Sounds like common sense

    • @anndeecosita3586
      @anndeecosita3586 2 місяці тому +3

      I think the main victims in these cases are people moving in from out of state who don’t have a lot of time to move. I almost had to move site unseen the last time I moved because I accepted a job in a state I had never even visited. I was working, trying to pack, moving a family member into their new place, and finding a moving company. I took off of work to bought a $300 plane ticket and spent another $300 on a rental car to visit the city I was moving to so I could see what the rental place looked like. Not everyone can afford to do that. All my friends who moved without seeing the place told me it was awful but they didn’t have a choice.

  • @THATNI99AJOHN
    @THATNI99AJOHN 2 місяці тому

    I’m so happy to hear this . Happy to see this made the news as well .

  • @teriewilliams8614
    @teriewilliams8614 2 місяці тому +2

    The fact that SQUATTERS have more RIGHTS than actual HOMEOWNERS is utterly RIDICULOUS!! The LAWS need to be CHANGED that give homeowners MORE rights than squatters!! Thank goodness the homeowner was able to get the SQUATTERS out of his home quickly. A LOT of homeowners aren’t that lucky!!

  • @codefinity
    @codefinity 2 місяці тому +213

    The squatters should have to forfeit any/all property that they brought in illegally, at the owner’s discretion!

    • @vegasmitch1472
      @vegasmitch1472 2 місяці тому +12

      Yes that could make up for Damage you Know they're going to cause. But if you do that then they're coming back & probably Break in to get their Stuff. BEST For the State to Charge them & immediately as they're Exiting b4 that Uhaul can Leave they have to Sweep & Mop Up & Vacuum up every Corner of the house. Still gonna be Damages So Next is to make them pay $500 to the Courts or have a Warrant put out on them.

    • @kingkong1040
      @kingkong1040 2 місяці тому +3

      What is stopping the homeowner claiming its his stuff? Or better - find a place to squat with belongings in it - then when they order you to move out, you take all their stuff with you in the uhaul ahahaha legalized burglary

    • @talleyduhammer
      @talleyduhammer 2 місяці тому +3

      Thats a very white and corporate thing to say

    • @The-Man-Right-Chea
      @The-Man-Right-Chea 2 місяці тому +7

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂They were not squatting. They did what Isreal did in Palestine and stole land that was without a people

    • @BloodNote
      @BloodNote 2 місяці тому

      @@The-Man-Right-Chea 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @Faze-2
    @Faze-2 2 місяці тому +47

    Finally a good story with all the squatter stories

  • @lj6180
    @lj6180 2 місяці тому +2

    I'm so glad that the homeowner got his property back!

  • @christianjones4644
    @christianjones4644 2 місяці тому +3

    Thank God they got the hell out!!

  • @user-hl1zo6co1o
    @user-hl1zo6co1o 2 місяці тому +58

    How did they get into the house in the first place? Does it qualify as breaking an entering? Maybe they should be arrested?

    • @Giantcrabz
      @Giantcrabz 2 місяці тому

      maybe they should follow due process

    • @johnjones5354
      @johnjones5354 2 місяці тому +9

      @@Giantcrabz Arrest is part of due process.

    • @Unionglazier
      @Unionglazier 2 місяці тому +5

      @@Giantcrabzused that last un-paralyzed brain cell didn’t ya ..

    • @greaterishe7197
      @greaterishe7197 2 місяці тому

      ​@@GiantcrabzWould that apply to "illegal" entry?

  • @lengod2232
    @lengod2232 2 місяці тому +35

    That’s great news no one should have to go through that

  • @tonymcclain9883
    @tonymcclain9883 2 місяці тому +3

    I don't know why people think it can't happen talking about he had to get the landlords approval to change the locks, if you are dealing with scammers you think they are the real landlord trust me some of them do All their homework till they get caught they don't stop with just your deposit some get away getting rent for months

  • @monkeycat48
    @monkeycat48 2 місяці тому +4

    🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️The poor man is taking care of his wife and people that he’s never had contact with just break into his deceased father’s change the locks to make it look like it’s their home. That is absolutely disgusting. That man doesn’t deserve that.😤😤😤

  • @protectandswerve
    @protectandswerve 2 місяці тому +40

    This is actually VERY common and has been happen all over. Happened in Smyrna many times this past year. And yes, most of the tenants actually had a lease they believed to be true. Everyone needs to watch out for these scams!!

    • @Elleliza3501
      @Elleliza3501 2 місяці тому +4

      Yeah, I believe the people in the home were scammed. Changing locks is expensive, and if they had done it they would be arrested. Its a common scam in Europe, people get deposits and have no right to rent the home, and then dissappear- sad all around.

    • @waltonbone6038
      @waltonbone6038 2 місяці тому +3

      I know of this happening also. Maybe the tenants were scammed. Happens all of the time. Hopefully they are telling the truth because this does happen
      Praying for all involved.

  • @Tom-mu7zy
    @Tom-mu7zy 2 місяці тому +31

    The last time I leased a property for short term, I demanded ID from the person claiming to be the owner to ensure he had legal right to lease it to me. The property owner was surprised but understood my caution. He was the owner and he took a check, not demanding cash. And I did not change the locks.

    • @tech-bore8839
      @tech-bore8839 Місяць тому +1

      ^This. I've seen so many news stories about "squatters", but nobody investigating the idea there's a possible rental scam going on.

    • @Tom-mu7zy
      @Tom-mu7zy Місяць тому

      @@tech-bore8839 I have seen stories about this. Someone meets you outside a house, accepts cash to "hold" the property for rent or sale and then on closing day, twenty people show up that paid that fee. Of course the recipient never shows up. I have rented but I check ID's and if they won't accept check then, Sorry Charlie.

  • @BlueAllianceNews
    @BlueAllianceNews 2 місяці тому +1

    What a rollercoaster of a situation for everyone involved! It's truly unfortunate when misunderstandings or deceit lead to stressful circumstances like this. However, it's heartening to hear that there's relief on at least one side, indicating that steps towards resolution are being made. Hopefully, this experience can lead to better protections and awareness for both homeowners and renters in the future. It's always a good reminder of the importance of clear communication and due diligence in all our dealings. Let's hope for a smoother path forward for all parties involved.

    • @J-Anon-
      @J-Anon- 2 місяці тому

      AI bot?

  • @tslavens3092
    @tslavens3092 2 місяці тому +2

    Well there are scammers out there pretending to own a house and then rent it.

  • @schlazer-merv
    @schlazer-merv 2 місяці тому +50

    I think security cameras and an alarm system would have helped in this case. If the homeowner is going to post online that the place is for rent, then he should be checking on the property on a regualar basis.

    • @Cloudz2021
      @Cloudz2021 2 місяці тому +5

      IIRC they said he was dealing with a family emergency with his mother or something. Bad timing.

    • @derricklangford4725
      @derricklangford4725 2 місяці тому +2

      ​@@Cloudz2021naw he was being cheap.

    • @Mr_Joseph979
      @Mr_Joseph979 2 місяці тому +4

      ​@@Cloudz2021he was burying Dad and renovated it himself. Maybe getting an alarm system and surveillance slipped his mind.

    • @anndeecosita3586
      @anndeecosita3586 2 місяці тому

      He went to take care of a sick relative.

    • @greaterishe7197
      @greaterishe7197 2 місяці тому

      ​​@@derricklangford4725Both articles I've seen state his dad passed and left him the property. He renovated it but was away taking care of his wife that was ill.

  • @Willams78
    @Willams78 2 місяці тому +26

    That wouldn't surprised me if they was conned! I seen a woman in Chicago got conned the same way. She lost 2 to 3 grand. I even called about a rental where I live because for the size of the house. It was pretty cheap to rent. That was a scam! So they may have been taking advantage of. This happens allot more than you think. Thats why you should call an actual listed real estate company to verify that it's legit. Glad he got his house back though.

    • @tech-bore8839
      @tech-bore8839 Місяць тому +1

      Funny how these news reporters NEVER seem to follow up on that either. It's really not that far-fetched of an idea that these people weren't actually squatters. Then again, reporters don't want to work more than they have to.

  • @martiwaterman1437
    @martiwaterman1437 2 місяці тому +2

    This owner is fortunate this was resolved quickly. Sometimes it takes months or years and expensive legal fees to get squatters out. Hope his wife is okay.

  • @seanmolloy6188
    @seanmolloy6188 2 місяці тому +2

    We really need to stop calling it squatting when it is 100% theft. It's not an abandoned house when someone goes out of town

  • @EmmaDee
    @EmmaDee 2 місяці тому +74

    Lesson learned, no Section 8, and run a full background check on anyone you lease to. These people are lying 100% because WHY WOULD THEY HAVE CHANGED THE LOCKS?

    • @shellie5617
      @shellie5617 2 місяці тому +14

      Better yet...why not show the 'lease' you signed AND 'receipts' for all financial transactions...like, rent paid, security deposit....name, address, phone # of rental agency, individual or organization!!!!
      At the very least...a phone # and name. I'd be more angry than the actual owner if I were 'scammed' like that. I'd be demanding something..from..SOMEBODY!!!!

    • @chillwill5080
      @chillwill5080 2 місяці тому +3

      @@shellie5617 These people weren't scammed, only a complete fool would believe these childish lies.

    • @shellie5617
      @shellie5617 2 місяці тому +6

      @chillwill5080 Exactly my point. IF I were 'scammed' like that...I'd be the one 'fired up' on the news!!...I'd be telling the world that I'M the one who got SCAMMED...I'm no 'squatter' by choice!!!! Let me show you my 'receipts'!!!!!! Now find the thieving scammer that robbed me!!!!!

    • @Mr_Joseph979
      @Mr_Joseph979 2 місяці тому +6

      I bet if you run the squatters credit and place of employment, that would be all you need to know that he was lying.

    • @vibryantsounds2764
      @vibryantsounds2764 2 місяці тому +1

      This is why I use a reputable property manager to assist with my properties. Avoid things like this. Happy they were able to get them out so quickly.

  • @ryanretirement6662
    @ryanretirement6662 2 місяці тому +24

    A lot of scammer created fake lease.

    • @missam3404
      @missam3404 2 місяці тому +2

      They do , but not in this case. It's terrible both ways

  • @derekd1510
    @derekd1510 2 місяці тому +2

    Keep an eye on those "renters" who claim they were "scammed." Check their criminal history. I bet you will see them mixed up in some kind of BS again soon.

  • @mineown1861
    @mineown1861 2 місяці тому +2

    If locks or windows are broken to gain entry , it's a breaking and entering charge for all inside .
    His fable of a rogue realtor and lease is playing a loophole to avoid such a charge . But there can be a third party , the "squat buster" , for a small fee they will bring the would be squatter to a vacant residence break a lock to gain entry , then wave them on in.
    The squatter can then say they didn't break in , they just saw an open door and strolled in . They take over the house and the squat breaker disappears .
    He may be lying about breaking in, or may be telling a truth , in that he didn't personally break in. But somebody definitely did.
    It's not just wallstreet that finds the legal loopholes to avoid prosecution.
    Meanwhile the owner is left to clean up the mess they leave in their wake . The sheer audacity of people who do this never ceases to amaze me .
    A business owner can have police come and remove someone from their premises , issuing them a trespass notice there and then . Why can't a property owner do the same , without having to involve the courts ?

  • @brucenome989
    @brucenome989 2 місяці тому +36

    This is very common They take an advantage of these laws. Pretend like they have some type of lease agreement with some fictacious person

    • @xr2863
      @xr2863 2 місяці тому +4

      Most people that have a lease agreement can produce it upon request, when asked, for examination by authorities. If they can't produce a legitimate lease, they're lying, and are TRUE SQUATTERS! And like others state, WTH would real renters be doing changing locks?

    • @freeisalwaysme
      @freeisalwaysme 2 місяці тому

      @@xr2863 Who said the people there changed teh locks?

    • @Elleliza3501
      @Elleliza3501 2 місяці тому +2

      ​​@@xr2863 we don't know they didn't have a lease agreement to show. They aren't in jail

    • @010101Be
      @010101Be 2 місяці тому +1

      What happens is opportunistic scammers take the ad the homeowner listed, then they repost the ad with the contact info changed to their burner. The “renter” has no idea that he is not dealing with the actual owner of the house when he replies to the new ad and signs a “lease”.
      The renters got scammed, and the homeowners screwed, while the crook is never caught online.
      I almost fell for this myself. Until I interviewed a neighbor of the house I was considering, and discovered it was likely Not the owners I was in communication with for rental. 🤷🏽‍♀️

  • @rkivuti
    @rkivuti 2 місяці тому +22

    Maybe it’s a scammer who stole the renters money. Almost happened to me and my wife a while back . She saw a listing online for a rental that was to become available but the owner was out of town. He told us we could go checkout the house and if we liked it we he would send us a lease. My spidey senses were on full alert when I saw the house and thought it was too good a price. I knocked on the Neighbour’s door and sure enough he told me the owner is his friend and gave me his number I called him and he told me that people have been offering his home for rent(which he did have available for rent at a higher price) but he does not know how to stop them. He did have sign that said for rent with his number outside the home. Just be careful out there guys. Had I paid the deposit and gotten a lease i would have been scammed.

    • @mikerichardson60
      @mikerichardson60 2 місяці тому +5

      Wouldn't the first clue be the lack of keys to the property? Yes sir i'm renting you this house but you'll need to break in first?

    • @DestinyAlready
      @DestinyAlready 2 місяці тому +10

      Exactly. Most of these “squatters” aren’t really squatters they are victims of scams. That’s what the guy said but due to the interviewer’s bias we were not able to get the scam victims side of the story as they were too busy making him out to be the bad guy. This is a real estate scam that can happen to anyone.

    • @DestinyAlready
      @DestinyAlready 2 місяці тому +4

      @@mikerichardson60you do know the scammer can hire someone to change the keys and make it appear as if they’re the legitimate owner of the property right?

    • @DecrepitBiden
      @DecrepitBiden 2 місяці тому +2

      @@DestinyAlready I was gonna say the same thing to Mike Richardson, but you beat me to it. Some even go as far as filing fake deed at the courthouse.

    • @citizencoy4393
      @citizencoy4393 2 місяці тому +5

      I help ppl find housing and I see this SO much! Especially in GA. There is also the scam where renters have turned this into a business where they simply collect application fees never intending to rent the property at all. There needs to be protection for the renters. I’m disgusting with the whole market and greed of man. On Zillow most of the homes are frauds or owned by 3 major corporations. Wish that the media would cover this without bias so that they can see the other side often overlooked.

  • @relaxationstation7374
    @relaxationstation7374 2 місяці тому +10

    These are exactly the same people that strong, totally independent women have spent the last 50 plus years vehemently claiming that they can raise better all by themselves without a man!

    • @missam3404
      @missam3404 2 місяці тому +4

      Honey, go meditate or something.

  • @SeyvenRoses
    @SeyvenRoses 2 місяці тому

    This neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. God bless the home owner.

  • @robv141414
    @robv141414 2 місяці тому +30

    Scott Adams was right again and again.

    • @Giantcrabz
      @Giantcrabz 2 місяці тому

      lol still weeping about muh stolen election and muh scamdemic I bet aren't ya

    • @francislarv3012
      @francislarv3012 2 місяці тому +5

      Problematic Demographic

    • @Mr_Joseph979
      @Mr_Joseph979 2 місяці тому +8

      Please... I've seen squatters from the ' Caucus Mountains' doing the same thing.

    • @dr.rickbooty
      @dr.rickbooty 2 місяці тому

      But most scammers are white and work in corporate America sir.

    • @NeekNeek100
      @NeekNeek100 2 місяці тому +2

      ​@Mr_Joseph979 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Say it again for the people in the back of the room!

  • @BONES9972
    @BONES9972 2 місяці тому +19

    This type of BS needs to stop! Also more affordable housing needs to be available. They on some BS regarding having a lease. Want no one legit.

  • @forrestjackson-knorr7899
    @forrestjackson-knorr7899 Місяць тому +1

    It’s ridiculous that homeowners must go through the courts to evict someone who is essentially stealing. Laws much change

  • @traceylomax2156
    @traceylomax2156 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank god he got his home back.

  • @natalieleonard5876
    @natalieleonard5876 2 місяці тому +10

    I swear that Squatter just approached me at walmart asking for me to get his family a room. that is crazy. his face and that bump

  • @seand67
    @seand67 2 місяці тому +15

    So they weren't arrested ?? smh

    • @dogelife7901
      @dogelife7901 2 місяці тому

      Black people can't be criminals they're were innocently scammed by the white man.

    • @GillAgainsIsland12
      @GillAgainsIsland12 2 місяці тому

      They are free to do it again and again.

  • @deborahdixon8816
    @deborahdixon8816 2 місяці тому +3

    This should be state wide more important a law to stop criminals for stealing homes with false deeds and not having to even show a ID to do it..

  • @journeydodge5812
    @journeydodge5812 2 місяці тому +2

    He should have shown the lease.

  • @geraldgreauxjr.7106
    @geraldgreauxjr.7106 2 місяці тому +7

    Please if you have an empty unit or leaving for a small time to be away from your home please put up WiFi cameras! Pay a few bucks for internet and set up cameras. If empty also cameras on the inside so any unwanted entry can be quickly noticed as it happens and police and yourself can rush to the unit. I’ve watched rentals before through cameras I installed on behalf of property owners because squatters broke in and wanted to set up shop! They were too scared to even go to the unit unless I was on site. I’ve called the cops and I rushed over and problem was settled. I know it’s a pain in the butt, but look at the possibilities here that can happen. If your living in your home, pay your neighbors ( if you can trust them) to watch n report while your out of town on vacation….if it’s not a rental. For those of you looking to for something you can do, start your own venture in this field. I do it for fun when asked but don’t have time to go all in on it!!!! You probably could make good money with rental companies. Especially if you’re a techi type of person. Just a thought🤔🇻🇮

    • @rayofsunshine107h
      @rayofsunshine107h 2 місяці тому

      Great info!

    • @geraldgreauxjr.7106
      @geraldgreauxjr.7106 2 місяці тому

      @@rayofsunshine107h I hope that was useful. I would try to venture out in this field but I’m not that techi… I also work 8 hours at a warehouse then after that work for a property maintenance company where they hire me to clean out evictions, dump all contents, paint the unit, clean the gutters, replace broken doors, clear or replace garbage disposals, kitchen n bathroom faucets, clear blackbery bushes ( I hate doing bushes but sometimes you need to take one for the team…greedy people don’t prosper long they just don’t get called back for the bigger stuff like full paint jobs) 🤣 nothing in life is free if it is be weary. Then I have to maintain my 300 gallon reef tank once a week and keep an eye on my corals and water quality. Maybe when I get older🤔I’m only half a century old? I will rest when I’m gone just play me some reggae music when you visit is what I tell my relatives! Lmao….good luck out there🇻🇮

  • @Itsalwaysbeenaboutme1844
    @Itsalwaysbeenaboutme1844 2 місяці тому +6

    I would investigate the squatters’ details about the scam.
    I know someone who was looking to relocate to my town. The neighborhood was nice, and the home was worth over $400,000. They were asking way below the market value for renting a home. He went back and forth emailing them to sign a lease to rent the place. I read the emails and the Landlord mentioned on too many occasions that they were not worried about the money, but wanted someone responsible to care for the home while they were out of the country. I went by the place, and it looked like someone was already in there. I asked the neighbor, and she said the owner was out of state for work and recently rented the place to someone. The Landlord was in a different State than mentioned in the email. She contacted the Homeowner, and he stated it was not him in the emails and asked for my friend to forward the information to him. We suspected either the current renters or someone who copy & paste photos from Zillow were trying to pull a scam.

  • @latoyiab79
    @latoyiab79 2 місяці тому +2

    Squatting should be illegal! I've watched so many videos where the homeowner was forced to go the extra mile while people take up residence rent free. It's wild criminals have more rights than an honest, law-abiding citizen.

  • @doubled5927
    @doubled5927 2 місяці тому +1

    Glad he got his house back.

  • @janethelfrich3869
    @janethelfrich3869 2 місяці тому +9

    They should all be locked up for a long damn time

    • @Ellie80681
      @Ellie80681 2 місяці тому

      They need housing. Sad but hopefully they get their life together for the child’s sake.

  • @bernie4366
    @bernie4366 2 місяці тому +23

    So all you have to do to get rid of squatters is get the local news to do a story on your situation. Seems like it would be better if it were illegal and cops would just kick them out without a news station having to be involved but ok, I guess.

    • @Giantcrabz
      @Giantcrabz 2 місяці тому

      makes the whole situation that much shadier. For all we know the landlord scammed these people. No sane person endangers their child and then explains themselves calmly on camera. Biased af media and dumbass audience in the comments automatically picking a side bc they don't think black precariat are humans.

  • @NgocTran-sq8hx
    @NgocTran-sq8hx 2 місяці тому +1

    Ty finally he got the house back

  • @tomm1583
    @tomm1583 2 місяці тому +1

    The owner is so calm. I need to be more like him.

    • @pamelamls
      @pamelamls 2 місяці тому

      He was relievedbthat the squatters were leaving

  • @MojoPup
    @MojoPup 2 місяці тому +8

    Guy trying to help out low income renters gets these creeps scamming him. They need to spend time in jail for doing this.

    • @Giantcrabz
      @Giantcrabz 2 місяці тому

      landlords help nobody. They provide no service. They call it PASSIVE INCOME for a fuckin reason

  • @imetaboyiusedtoknow8308
    @imetaboyiusedtoknow8308 2 місяці тому +5

    Squatter lied but I am glad they are out. Owner should sell the house if he doesn't want to live in it. Being a landlord nowadays is perilous.

  • @tony-ce7qp
    @tony-ce7qp 2 місяці тому

    great job News 2!

  • @Sidicas
    @Sidicas Місяць тому +3

    Conned by a phony real estate agent who also doubles as his baby momma.

  • @PvtFlowers
    @PvtFlowers 2 місяці тому +5

    Ay does that dude got mumps?

  • @reedrichards3907
    @reedrichards3907 2 місяці тому

    Glad to see that the homeowner got justice

  • @Tish1068
    @Tish1068 2 місяці тому +1

    I hate that these are civil matters, when stealing a tv from a home is criminal, but stealing an entire home is civil?!

  • @anissaburgess6419
    @anissaburgess6419 2 місяці тому +5

    Why put this nice house in this nice neighborhood on government assistance. He is going to always have problems, snd I think the neighbors are going to have a hard time with this

    • @acer4237
      @acer4237 2 місяці тому +1

      Yeah I’m sure the neighbors are not cheering on this feat.

  • @YoUnOkNoWoK
    @YoUnOkNoWoK 2 місяці тому +4

    The usual suspects

  • @ozonespec
    @ozonespec 2 місяці тому +1

    Hopefully they don't try to retaliate against the owner.

  • @NOTHINGATALLYET
    @NOTHINGATALLYET Місяць тому +1

    This NON SENSE needs and MUST end, Everywhere!

  • @allegrap1054
    @allegrap1054 2 місяці тому +2

    A lot of people don’t believe this family but why not investigate his claims so others aren’t potentially scammed?

  • @mariaesposito274
    @mariaesposito274 2 місяці тому +2

    Since When has Squatters been allowed to just move in someones home?! Or live with someone ,& Nit want to leave?! How's this even Fair?😡🤬

  • @chiloveradiouncut
    @chiloveradiouncut 2 місяці тому

    I'm glad he was able to get his home back. Knowing that it was his Father's house that he inherited is heartbreaking. 💔

  • @EddieBigpunforever-ct4rb
    @EddieBigpunforever-ct4rb 2 місяці тому +2

    You can tell by the lump on his throat he was lying about having a lease

  • @camgirlful
    @camgirlful 2 місяці тому +1

    In the state of Maryland there have been scam rentals with fake leases. The person who advertised the house changed the locks .

  • @terryb.9719
    @terryb.9719 2 місяці тому +2

    Why cant we have better laws against this kind of thing all across America.

  • @SharonDelores-sn8vb
    @SharonDelores-sn8vb 23 дні тому

    It happened to my uncle when he owned several rental properties. He didn't know an elderly squatter moved in with a fake lease.
    Long story short, the old woman was scammed and my uncle gave her time to vacate peacefully.

  • @ATeaNTea
    @ATeaNTea Місяць тому +1

    How they know what home to get into if you back and forth checking on the property

  • @010101Be
    @010101Be 2 місяці тому +1

    What happens is opportunistic scammers take the ad the homeowner listed, then they repost the ad with the contact info changed to their burner. The “renter” has no idea that he is not dealing with the actual owner of the house when he replies to the new ad and signs a “lease”.
    The renters got scammed, and the homeowners screwed, while the crook is never caught online.
    I almost fell for this myself. Until I interviewed a neighbor of the house I was considering, and discovered it was likely Not the owners I was in communication with for rental. 🤷🏽‍♀️

  • @heidyruiz8384
    @heidyruiz8384 2 місяці тому +1

    This criminal need to be in jail..!!

  • @elvispresley8217
    @elvispresley8217 2 місяці тому +1

    A beautiful home

  • @johncarter4411
    @johncarter4411 2 місяці тому +1

    At the same time legitimate renters have been scanned by the landlord and forced to leave, when they do have a rental agreement, but the landlord has said the renters did not.

  • @jqsmooth77
    @jqsmooth77 Місяць тому +1

    If truly they were conned, how is that the homeowner's problem?

  • @simplemoney1833
    @simplemoney1833 2 місяці тому +2

    This happens to people every day in atlanta I know a dude who moved his whole family from alabama to atlanta and the guy they rented from didn’t own the house

  • @jen-a-purr
    @jen-a-purr Місяць тому +2

    Ok you don’t change the locks when you are renting a home😂They are totally squatting.

  • @hadley407
    @hadley407 2 місяці тому +1

    Luckily he was able to get them out quickly.
    If you find SQUATTERS living IN YOUR HOME, and you can’t afford to wait for the court to evict them in a year:
    Wait till they’re not at your home. Write your friend a lease. Get your friend go break into your house and move in. Then when the squatter tries to come back into your home, they will be breaking in. Your friend can then call the police and have the squatter arrested for breaking and entering. Your friend, as a tenant, will have more rights to your home than you will, as an owner.
    Squatter: We didn’t break in ourselves.
    So I guess he knows who did break in. It’s all a scam. They always say they got scammed when they show a fake lease to the police and say they got scammed.
    Edit: The first thing this homeowner needs to do is put up cameras with sensors, so he’ll be alerted anytime someone’s at his home.

  • @Veronna79
    @Veronna79 2 місяці тому +2

    Beautiful home in a really nice neighborhood. The original owner should have properly secured his home. The correct dead bolt locks, window guard gates welded on, alarms & cameras on his property. Squatters look for easy break in homes to loiter in before they take over any property. What a lot of nerve, that a group of bums just move into homes they don't own. They were not paying rent or anything. I'm thankful the owner has his home back. The Laws need to be stricker. Squatters need jail time. That's your new home.