Family in need of housing after getting scammed

My name is Charnequa Mclemore, and I am reaching out to share my family’s recent experience with a devastating rental scam involving a fake listing that posed as AMH Homes (American Homes 4 Rent). I believe our story needs to be heard to prevent others from falling victim to the same situation.

My family and I have been without stable housing for the past eight months. We were living with others while searching for a place of our own. When we saw a “For Rent” sign in front of a home at 1056 Countess Lane in Spring Hill, TN, we thought we finally found a chance at stability.

The sign listed the property as being rented by AMH Homes and included a phone number and a QR code for a contactless self-tour. I called the number and was connected to a man who walked me through the process of scanning the code, completing identity verification, and accessing the home. Another family was there touring the house at the same time, also on the phone with the same man. Everything seemed legitimate.

After viewing the home, I was told I could apply. I submitted the application, paid a $75 application fee, and was told I had been approved. I was then asked to pay a $700 security deposit, which I did through Chime, as they claimed to be “private landlords” and didn’t accept checks. Because we were financially struggling, we had to ask for help from local churches and GraceWorks Ministries to cover the deposit.

I was given a move-in date and told someone would meet us at the property to remove the lockbox and give us keys. We arrived as scheduled at 2:00 PM and waited until 6:30 PM in 87-degree heat with our 6-year-old and 3-year-old. No one ever showed up. Eventually, I was told to scan my ID again to re-enter the house. A kind neighbor helped us get in using the QR code.

Once inside, we moved in all our belongings. The person on the phone confirmed everything was fine and told us we could start settling in. Then, the next morning, they demanded an additional $400 for utilities—a fee that had never been mentioned before. When I questioned it, I was met with hostility. The man began yelling at me, saying, “Don’t tell me how to run my property,” and threatened to give the home to another family if I didn’t comply. I told him I could get the money the following day.

Before I could do that, I received a shocking call. The same man told me we were being evicted, claimed we looked like “squatters,” and that other families were coming to tour the home. He told me we needed to leave immediately and suggested I “call the police and report that I was scammed.”

I called the Spring Hill Police Department, and officers came to the home. After reviewing the messages and payments I had made, they were shocked. They confirmed I had been scammed and told me this was likely part of a larger scheme. They encouraged me to file a report, and an investigation is underway.

We are now back to square one—homeless, financially devastated, and emotionally shaken. I am six months pregnant, and this situation has put a huge strain on my family.

I’m sharing this with your newsroom in the hope that you will help bring attention to what happened to us. This is not just about us—this could happen to anyone, especially families who are vulnerable and desperate for housing.

Please consider sharing our story. I have all documentation, text messages, phone numbers, payment receipts, and police reports available upon request.

Hey y'all my name is Tifphany. I am posting for my sister to try to raise some money to help her and her family get back on their feet! And in a stable house. Anything will help!

Thank you all in advance.