Police say a Miami woman posed as a landlord on Zillow to scam at least four prospective tenants out of thousands of dollars.
Authorities say 55-year-old Julia Rosario collected security deposits for a property she didn't even own. She now faces multiple counts of third-degree grand theft and organized scheme to defraud.
According to police reports, Rosario, identifying herself as Nadia Abreu and claiming to be the owner of 529 NW 23rd Place, duped unsuspecting renters on Zillow.
Police said Rosario showed the victims the house and then collect various cash deposits, even providing them with receipts. The victims signed a lease and prepared to move in, only to receive bad news in the form of a text message.
According to reports, all four victims received a message, claiming to be from their landlord's husband, that Abreu had been killed in a crash and that the rental agreement was canceled. However, when the victims tried to get their money back, they never heard from anyone again.
When the victims went to the home, they found it vacant with notes from other victims of the same scheme.
Investigators determined that Rosario rented the home from the rightful owner but abandoned the property in late February and prematurely ended her lease for unknown reasons.
Police said Rosario scammed the victims out of about $8,000. Investigators believe there may be other victims.
Rosario was arrested Thursday and booked into jail.