I am looking for a new place to live and was recently scammed by a fake For Rent ad. The guy (Alberto Moore - the name he gave me) had access to the lockbox with the keys, and I was able to view the apartment, which made it seem legit. Turns out he had someone view the apartment before and jack the lockbox. When I was supposed to pick up the keys, that is when the scam was discovered. Someone had already rented the place, and the person I was interacting with was not associated with the property at all.

I filed a police report with all the information that I had, which is all bogus, but I wanted to get the information out there in case the guy tries it again. I also filed a complaint and fraud claim with the Chime app used to transfer funds, but they denied my claim, so I could not get a refund.

Now I am out the $3,520+ this guy scammed out of me. I asked him for a refund, and he said he sent a money transfer through Zelle for my refund, but it is blocked. He even has the audacity to tell me I have to pay him another $280 to unblock my Zelle account, and then I will get all my money back. I just want to try to get as much of the money back so I can find a new place and move out.

I have text conversations with scammer and other info related to the scam, if you would like to see it.

Any amount helps. Thank you in advance for your help.