Latest news with #AlexTodd
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Nobody should have to go through this': Knoxville family falls victim to ‘self-showing' scam after finding a rental on Facebook Marketplace — now they're out $1,800 and have nowhere to live
When Alex Todd, his sister-in-law Natalie Ryffel, and their spouses needed a home to rent in Knoxville, Tennessee, they found a listing on Facebook Marketplace that was within their budget. They contacted the landlord and asked for a showing, but they were told it was a self-viewing home — meaning the landlord didn't meet Todd and Ryffel at the property to show them around. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Rather, the landlord sent them the lockbox code for the property and told them to let themselves in and see if the home met their needs. Once Todd and Ryffel confirmed they wanted the home and the move-in fees had been paid, the landlord once again sent them the lockbox code so they could move in. But it turned out to be a scam. Todd and Ryffel are out $1,800, in addition to not having a place to live. "Nobody should have to go through this," said Ryffel to WATE 6 News. When Todd and Ryffel found a home on Facebook Marketplace, they didn't spot any red flags throughout the process of seeing the home and moving in, they told WATE. It was only once they'd moved in that they learned they'd been victimized. The landlord, Buh-laal Mustafa Hatim, spoke with Todd by phone and text message once he responded to the Facebook listing. Hatim allegedly wanted $850 a month for rent and sent Todd a contract that looked official. "Every time I would talk to him and we would send money to him, he would shortly after send receipts via email," Todd said, adding he didn't think anything was amiss. 'He wanted payment through Chime. I figured, okay, he may not have an actual bank account." Todd and Ryffel paid Hatim $1,800 — $850 for rent, $850 for a security deposit, and a $100 application fee. 'We paid him what we were supposed to pay him,' Ryffel told WATE. 'We moved in the day before Easter.' But a few days later, they received a notice from the realty company in charge of the property: 'You are illegally residing at this property without the consent of the owner. You are instructed to vacate the property immediately.' Now, the Todd and Ryffel families don't have anywhere to go. And, as WATE discovered, the rental property was listed on another website for $1,350 a month, not $850. As a gesture of goodwill, the actual realty company is giving Todd and Ryffel a free week-long stay at Woodspring Suites, an extended stay hotel. They plan to use that time to find a new rental. But the chances of them getting their $1,800 back are slim. "You have people who work hard for that money, only for it to be gone," Ryffel said. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs In 2024, the FBI received 9,359 complaints related to real estate fraud, and total losses for those types of scams totaled more than $173 million. That number isn't broken down by specific scam type, so it's hard to know how many of those fraud reports stemmed from rental scams versus something else related to real estate. However, scammers are getting better and better at taking people's money. So it's important to know how to spot a rental scam so you can avoid it. In a self-viewing rental scam, fraudsters find legitimate property listings on rental sites. Then they pretend to be working for the realty company in charge of renting the house out. They gain access to the lockbox by signing up for an account. Then, they give prospective tenants access to the lockbox so they can do a self-guided tour, and then take their money once the tenant decides to move forward with the rental. That's why you should be very wary of any rental where a landlord or property manager won't meet you in person. When you come across a listing, double-check to see if it appears on other sites. Zillow highlights some other red flags for renters to be mindful of: Money first: The property manager asks for the money up front, even before seeing the house. Too good to be true: If a one-bedroom goes for $1,500 a month in your area, and you see one listed for $900, it's highly suspicious. Untraceable payments: If you're being asked to send payments through an unconventional means that are untraceable, such as cash, crypto or gift cards, then move on. In Todd and Ryffel's case, they might have protected themselves by looking for a listing on other websites. Of course, a self-showing rental may be legitimate, but your best bet is to cross-reference the 'for rent' sign and to call the available number posted so you can speak to the realty company in charge. Even then, it's not unreasonable to ask someone to meet you at the property, with their ID, so you can feel safe. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hoops-daft Rod Stewart spotted in Glasgow restaurant after Celtic's Scottish Cup loss
Celtic super fan Sir Rod Stewart was reportedly in good spirits when he dined at one of his Glasgow favourites this weekend, despite watching Celtic lose out in the Scottish Cup final. DINING OUT Hoops-daft Rod Stewart spotted in Glasgow restaurant after Celtic's Scottish Cup loss Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC super fan Sir Rod Stewart was snapped enjoying himself at a Glasgow favourite - despite watching his beloved side lose out on penalties in the Scottish Cup final. The 79-year-old rocker was spotted at The Atlantic Bar and Brasserie on Saturday night, after Celtic's cup final defeat to Aberdeen at Hampden. 3 Sir Rod Stewart as in good spirits, despite his team losing the cup final to Aberdeen Credit: Facebook/Atlantic Bar and Brasserie 3 The star on Saturday at Hampden, where he watched Celtic lose out to the Dons Credit: PA 3 It was a tense cup final Credit: Alex Todd But the Maggie May singer appeared in good spirits, despite the disappointing result for the Hoops. And he even posed for photos with fans and staff. Onlookers said the singer was "gracious and upbeat" as he took the time to chat with guests and raise a glass with fellow supporters. He's a fan of The Atlantic and its sister venue The Anchor Line, where he visits regularly for family occasions and can often be spotted enjoying a pre or post-match meal or drink when in the city. A member of staff said: 'Even with the result, Rod was in great form. "He told us earlier in the week he'd be coming in after the game, and he stuck to his word. It was a real buzz for everyone.' The art-deco restaurant - which offers French-inspired cuisine - shared a picture of the star posing with staff to Facebook. The caption read: 'We were delighted to have Sir Rod Stewart in after the game today. 'Our Poitrine de Porc was his dish of choice. "Slow cooked pork belly, black pudding, potato pavé, cauliflower purée, savoy cabbage, pancetta fricassée, pickled mustard seeds and Arran mustard jus.' Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim's claim that the 'good days are coming' for Man Utd After a tense 30 minutes of extra time, Saturday's match was decided on penalties, with Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov making two saves to bring the cup to the north east of Scotland for the first time since 1990.
