Hi, my name is Valentina, and I’m a student going through something I never imagined I’d face: I’m currently being sued for over $1,300 over an apartment I never even lived in, and I’m asking for help because I don’t know where else to turn.

In 2023, I signed a lease at a beautiful student apartment complex. I was so excited to move in, but just before move-in, I had a family emergency and had to return to my hometown. I could no longer live there, but I was still legally tied to the lease.

Since the complex required a student tenant and I couldn’t find one in time, I connected with someone who seemed nice and responsible. We agreed she would live there informally and pay the rent. On move-in day, I had to go with her to get the keys, and she gave me a cashier’s check to cover the first month’s rent. Everything seemed fine.

But just a few weeks later, the apartment management called me, they had discovered she wasn’t on the lease and had called the police to remove her. I was completely shocked and felt awful. I even paid for her to stay in an Airbnb so she wouldn’t be left homeless.

Before she left, she asked me to grab her belongings from the apartment. When I went to collect them, I found a bag full of strange white cards with chips, the kind that could be used in scams or fraud. I started to realize I had no idea who this person really was. I still gave her back her stuff, but when I did, she showed up in a hoodie, sunglasses, and a hat, basically disguised. Then she blocked me on everything and vanished.

Thankfully, I eventually found a student and was able to legally sublease the unit. I thought everything was finally resolved.

But months later, I received a letter showing a $1,355 balance. Apparently, the cashier’s check she gave me never cleared. I got a collection letter months later. And now, I’ve received a lawsuit over that money. I never lived there, she was supposed to pay me and never did.

This situation has me scared and overwhelmed. I don’t have a lawyer or the money to fight this. I’ve kept screenshots, proof of payment, conversations... EVERYTHING! But I still need to come up with this money to avoid further damage to my future.

If you can help, even just $5, I would be so grateful. I’m not a bad person, just a student who got scammed while trying to do the right thing.

Thank you for listening, for caring, and for being here.

— Valentina