Colleen Horste: Rental Scam Victim!
Donation protected
The Backstory
The Craigslist ad described it as a “charming” three-bedroom home on a wooded lot in Pinckney, Michigan. With an open floor plan, a two-car garage and a wood-burning fireplace, it seemed like the perfect fit for Colleen.
Colleen responded to the Craigslist ad and negotiated rent, utilities, and timing with the owner. She stopped by the house after work to take pictures and explore the neighborhood. Satisfied by the house and the neighborhood, she signed a one-year lease and wired the owner first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit. That wire included the last of her savings, plus hundreds of dollars borrowed from friends.
In the morning, Colleen drove to her new home, excited to start moving in the first of her boxes –- and discovered the real owners of the house working in their yard. No, they told her, the house was not for rent. It had just been luck that the real owners had not been home when Colleen first came to investigate the house. The police were called and a report made, but there was no way to recoup the money that had been wired. She had lost all of her savings and her new home.
Colleen Needs Your Help!
Colleen now has 12 days to salvage the $2500 necessary to recoup her stolen deposit, find a new place to live, and move, before her current lease expires. She is going through a lot right now, and we would be very grateful for any support you can offer. On behalf of Colleen, please consider donating or sharing this GoFundMe page with your social network. We appreciate you!
The Craigslist ad described it as a “charming” three-bedroom home on a wooded lot in Pinckney, Michigan. With an open floor plan, a two-car garage and a wood-burning fireplace, it seemed like the perfect fit for Colleen.
Colleen responded to the Craigslist ad and negotiated rent, utilities, and timing with the owner. She stopped by the house after work to take pictures and explore the neighborhood. Satisfied by the house and the neighborhood, she signed a one-year lease and wired the owner first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit. That wire included the last of her savings, plus hundreds of dollars borrowed from friends.
In the morning, Colleen drove to her new home, excited to start moving in the first of her boxes –- and discovered the real owners of the house working in their yard. No, they told her, the house was not for rent. It had just been luck that the real owners had not been home when Colleen first came to investigate the house. The police were called and a report made, but there was no way to recoup the money that had been wired. She had lost all of her savings and her new home.
Colleen Needs Your Help!
Colleen now has 12 days to salvage the $2500 necessary to recoup her stolen deposit, find a new place to live, and move, before her current lease expires. She is going through a lot right now, and we would be very grateful for any support you can offer. On behalf of Colleen, please consider donating or sharing this GoFundMe page with your social network. We appreciate you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Adam Horste
Organizer
South Lyon, MI
Colleen Horste
Beneficiary
