<div><strong>Fundraiser Update (NYC and SF)</strong>
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<div>When this fundraiser was created, it was to help Miguel recover after losing his savings in a <a href="https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-indictment-of-nicholas-fuelling-for-hells-kitchen-rental-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York housing scam</a> that left him without stable housing and in serious financial distress.
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<div>After that experience, Miguel returned to San Francisco, where he had previously lived and worked, in order to regroup, address ongoing health issues, and reestablish some stability. He returned to his former place of employment during this period. It was there that a separate incident occurred, which has since <a href="https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/who-miguel-marchese-bartender-fired-shireen-afkari-restaurant-scandal-also-says-he-was-scammed-1769351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">received public attention</a> and resulted in him losing his job.
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<div>We want to clarify that this fundraiser was not created in response to that incident. It exists to help support Miguel through a series of overlapping hardships, including financial loss from the scam, housing instability, health challenges, and now the loss of income. The funds raised are being used for basic living expenses, housing-related costs, and supporting a stable transition while he looks for new work.
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<div>We’re very grateful to everyone who has donated, shared, or reached out with support. Your generosity has made a tangible difference during a difficult and complicated period, and we appreciate the care and understanding people have shown.
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<div><a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/07/sf-bartender-fired-viral-video-restaurant-industry-hazies" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/07/sf-bartender-fired-viral-video-restaurant-industry-hazies</a>
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<div><a href="https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/who-miguel-marchese-bartender-fired-shireen-afkari-restaurant-scandal-also-says-he-was-scammed-1769351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/who-miguel-marchese-bartender-fired-shireen-afkari-restaurant-scandal-also-says-he-was-scammed-1769351" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/who-miguel-marchese-bartender-fired-shireen-afkari-restaurant-scandal-also-says-he-was-scammed-1769351</a></a>
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<div><a href="https://nypost.com/2026/01/07/us-news/bartender-at-trendy-san-fran-eatery-fired-for-tripping-customer-in-meltdown-over-booze/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://nypost.com/2026/01/07/us-news/bartender-at-trendy-san-fran-eatery-fired-for-tripping-customer-in-meltdown-over-booze/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://nypost.com/2026/01/07/us-news/bartender-at-trendy-san-fran-eatery-fired-for-tripping-customer-in-meltdown-over-booze/</a></a>
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<div><strong>PREVIOUS UPDATES:</strong>
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<div>Update: <a href="https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-indictment-of-nicholas-fuelling-for-hells-kitchen-rental-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-indictment-of-nicholas-fuelling-for-hells-kitchen-rental-scam/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-indictment-of-nicholas-fuelling-for-hells-kitchen-rental-scam/</a></a>
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<div>Our sweet friend <strong>Miguel</strong>, 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. <strong>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.</strong> 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. &lt;3
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<div>Here is a link to a news story about it:
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<div><a href="https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/man-sought-for-allegedly-scamming-renters-with-fake-apartment-listings-in-nyc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/man-sought-for-allegedly-scamming-renters-with-fake-apartment-listings-in-nyc/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/man-sought-for-allegedly-scamming-renters-with-fake-apartment-listings-in-nyc/</a></a>
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<div><strong>Miguel's message:</strong>
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<div><strong>Scammed Out of Everything in NYC – Fighting for Justice &amp; Stability</strong>
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<div>Hi everyone,
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div><strong>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.</strong> 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.
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div><strong>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.</strong>
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<div>From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with me.
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<div>– Miguel
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Jaden Mitchell

Anonymous

Thomas Castillo

Caryn Ahern

Michelle Ly

Ana Rosas

Emma Ritch

Jasmine Davis

Evelyn Batista Fernandez

Caroline Vogel

Susan Reese

FRANK CHAN

Jorian Heal

Michael Visconti

Help Miguel Rebuild After Housing Loss and Job Disruption

Help Miguel Rebuild After Housing Loss and Job Disruption

Still $2,163 to go. Help us build momentum.