Latest news with #Local4DetroitNews
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
This Michigan single mom was scammed out of thousands after falling for a fake rental listing on Facebook
An Eastpointe, Michigan, woman shared her story of being defrauded for thousands of dollars, hoping to help others avoid the same devastating experience. Destiny Smith, a single mother in desperate need of a home, thought she had found the perfect place on Facebook. But it turns out the property was already occupied, and she had lost her deposit money in a scam. 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) 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 "I really wanted to pass out," she told Local 4 Detroit News in a story published March 21. "I was just, like, 'No way I've just been scammed.'" Here are the details behind Smith's story, plus tips on how to avoid rental scams. Smith's ordeal started when she saw what seemed like the ideal rental property. The ad featured a video showcasing what appeared to be an updated interior, and it seemed too good to pass up. Rental scammers often prey on people who are looking for immediate housing, especially those who are vulnerable, including single parents like Smith and seniors. They promote fake listings on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist and ask for immediate cash deposits to lock in a deal. Smith agreed to hand over a $2,500 security deposit, according to the local broadcaster, and she was handed a set of keys. Things took a strange turn when she arrived at the property. '[There] was a white truck in the driveway, so I was, like, okay, maybe this is the guy that was coming to fix the stuff I requested,' Smith explained. But when she asked the man what he was doing there, she was shocked to find out he was there to change the locks. That's when Smith realized she had been the victim of a scam. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP If you're worried about how to protect yourself as a renter, here's what you can do to protect yourself from rental and housing scams: When looking for listings, stick to well-known platforms that have verification processes and user reviews. Beware of listings with lower-than-normal prices. If it looks too good to be true, it may very well be. Always check out a property in person before making any commitments. Don't settle for a video tour. It's a red flag if the landlord won't allow you to visit. Be suspicious if you're asked to pay through unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or prepaid gift cards. Do your research on listings and look up the address to spot potential duplicate listings or inconsistencies. You may also be able to verify property ownership by checking local records to ensure a landlord's legitimacy. Most of all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's best not to ignore it. Performing due diligence is always a good thing when it comes to finding a new home. If you think you've been the victim of a rental scam, authorities urge you to file a police report and provide as much evidence as possible to help with any investigation. 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 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 3 '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.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
The Bewildering Mystery of How a Detroit Family Found a Stranger's Headstone on Their Loved One's Grave
The family of a deceased Black man told local news they'd dedicatedly been visiting his unmarked grave for over the past year until something both concerning and confusing occurred: a tombstone it didn't belong to their family. The family of Samuel Wells made the bewildering discovery after 18 months of visiting his gravesite. Latonya Gouch, Wells' sister, tells Local 4 Detroit News he was buried at the Sacred Heart of Saint Mary's Cemetery in Detroit back in August of 2023. Since his death, she told reporters she would lay flowers for Wells and play music every visit. However, one day in January she said she went to visit the site and found another family's headstone appeared on Wells' grave, per Click On Detroit. 'I want to know where my brother is,' Gouch told reporters when she visited the cemetery last Tuesday. 'Just as simple as that. I don't understand. I need some answers.' Upon the discovery, the family made dozens of attempts to contact the cemetery's office for answers but to no avail. After a while, they sought another outlet to have their voices heard and turn the heat up on their demands: the press. After their story published to Local 4, Mother of Divine Mercy Parish's cemetery operations manager Marianne Peggie finally responded with an answer in connection to the incident. Peggie told Local 4 News she discovered two neighboring gravesites were involved in the mixup, clarifying that the headstone was placed incorrectly too far onto Wells' plot. Then, action was finally taken. 'Once I heard about it, I decided to make sure it was taken care of immediately, looking into it more on my end of things and making sure the situation was remedied,' said Peggie, adding that workers moved the headstone to its respective site, per Local 4. Though it took longer than they would've liked, Wells' family is at peace knowing they can continue their visits knowing exactly where their loved one is resting. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
