Dozen Tenants Victimized In Rental Scam

In Charlotte, North Carolina, WCNC-TV reports:

• Two former employees of a Charlotte real estate firm allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting tenants who believed they were paying rent to their landlord. Brian Augustine, owner of Elite Team Realty, said another employee recently discovered a tenant living in a property that was believed to have been vacant. The tenant told the employee he had paid cash and signed a lease with a woman who said she was an agent for Elite Team. Augustine said he later discovered similar agreements with at least 11 other tenants at properties his firm manages in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.

Reportedly, Augustine discovered that the two employees, a collections manager and a leasing agent, were mother and daughter and terminated their employment several weeks ago after uncovering irregularities in lease agreements and payments. For more, see Ex-employees accused of stealing from tenants.

Go here to watch the WCNC-TV report, Tenants fall victim to bogus rentals.

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