Mother falls for apparent social media-based real estate scam

May 7, 2026 - 08:33

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- A Virginia mother thought she had finally found a home big enough for her large family. Christine Cormier has three children, three morkies, a German shepherd, and a fiance. They have been struggling to find a place that fits everyone. When she saw a listing for a spacious rental property on social media, it seemed like the answer to her prayers.

The price was reasonable and the house looked perfect. Cormier contacted the person running the ad. They communicated quickly and seemed professional. She was told she needed to act fast to secure the home. She sent a deposit and the first month's rent through a payment app. The total was several thousand dollars.

After the money was sent, the supposed landlord stopped answering messages. The listing disappeared. Cormier drove to the address only to find the real owners living there. They had no idea their home was being used in a scam. The property was not for rent at all.

Cormier is now out thousands of dollars and still looking for a home. She wants others to be careful when searching for rentals online. Experts warn that deals that seem too good to be true often are. They advise never sending money without seeing the property in person and verifying the owner's identity. Social media platforms have become a common hunting ground for these schemes, preying on people in desperate housing situations.