HOUSTON, TX – A significant real estate fraud operation has been dismantled by Houston police, shedding light on the risks of using social media platforms like Facebook to find rental homes. The investigation reveals that a group of individuals used stolen identities to lease properties, subsequently renting them out to unsuspecting tenants. This scheme, which has victimized numerous residents, underscores the perils of unverified online rental listings.
A victim of identity theft, whose personal information was exploited to lease 13 homes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, expressed shock upon learning of the fraudulent activity. Four individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, all of whom have previous encounters with the law. Among them are Benjamin Green and Natsuly Green, who previously gained notoriety from a road rage incident in 2022.
The alleged mastermind behind the scheme, Harold Doyle, operated out of an office in North Beltway despite having his real estate license revoked. Records indicate that Doyle was arrested with a fake ID and numerous fraudulent real estate applications. The group is accused of listing properties on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and leasing them to unsuspecting tenants.
Troy Cothren, a licensed real estate agent not involved in the case, warns that Houston is a hotspot for rental scams. Some tenants reported paying deposits through digital payment services like Zelle, unaware they were dealing with fraudsters. Investigators discovered a group chat involving 62 properties and a clipboard filled with real estate leads, revealing the extensive nature of the operation.
The Greens, along with Teresa Zuluaga, face allegations of concocting fraudulent paperwork, with Zuluaga admitting to receiving a portion of the profits from each transaction. The remainder was allegedly divided among the group, led by Doyle. Houston residents are urged to exercise caution and rely on trusted sources for rental listings to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
The Texas Real Estate Commission confirmed that Doyle’s license has been revoked since 2021, highlighting the need for vigilance in the rental market. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in online rental platforms and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of rental offers.