Help Miguel Rebuild After NYC Scam

Our sweet friend Miguel, along with 11 others (as of today, 08/28/25), was scammed by a man claiming to be subletting his apartment in Manhattan. The victims keep coming, and the perpetrator is relentless. These individuals have signed leases through DocuSign, viewed the apartment, and met the renter. Miguel lost $6,400 to this deception and is currently having to crash on someone's living room floor while rebuilding his savings to find a new place. Let's help him get back on his feet faster. As always, every dollar helps. Consider it an extra tip for all the fabulous hospitality he's provided from behind the bar. ;) I'll leave this message from him below, but if TLDR; you have the short version of the story already. He did not ask me to make this posting; I feel the pain of deceit and want to spread the word. Nicholas (Nick) Fuelling has already been convicted of fraud in San Francisco, as well. Miguel has big dreams and the motivation to achieve them. Let's help him get there. <3

Here is a link to a news story about it:

https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/man-sought-for-allegedly-scamming-renters-with-fake-apartment-listings-in-nyc/

Miguel's message:

Scammed Out of Everything in NYC – Fighting for Justice & Stability

Hi everyone,

My name is Miguel Marchese and it takes a lot for me to write this. I’ve never asked for handouts in my life, and this is not something I ever imagined I’d have to do. It’s just not who I am, but I have decided to swallow my pride. After everything that’s happened, friends and reporters have urged me to share my story and allow people who want to help to do so.

Just a few months ago, I moved to New York City with nothing but two suitcases and a lot of ambition. I came here to build my life, to work hard, and to pursue my dreams. I was ready to start fresh, hustle, and make my own way. But instead of opportunity, I was met with a nightmare.

I was scammed by a man named Nick Fuelling, who has now left me completely wiped out. He stole $6,400 from me—all the money I had to my name. This wasn’t just cash; it was my rent, my security deposit, my future in the city. Because of this, I lost my housing and right now, I’m crashing temporarily at a friend’s place, with no stable home of my own.

What makes this even worse is that this wasn’t just some random mistake. It was a calculated scam. There are now multiple victims, with over $50,000 stolen in total, and there’s even a police case and warrant connected to him. I’ve been on the news speaking out about this, because I refuse to let him get away with destroying people’s lives.

This has left me with nothing—financially and emotionally drained—but not without fight. I want to rebuild, get back on my feet, and continue working toward the life I came here to create.

If you know me, you know I’ve never asked for help. I’ve worked through struggles my whole life and always found a way. So this is hard for me to even write. But I also know that sometimes, community is what gets us through the darkest moments.

I’m humbly asking for your support or just sharing this story. Every little bit helps me move forward: to secure stable housing, to cover the money that was stolen from me, and to start fresh again in New York.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with me.

– Miguel