Family Loses $1,150 to Phony Real Estate Agent in Hampton Bays Rental Scam

October 27, 2026 - 05:36

A family searching for a home in Hampton Bays was defrauded of $1,150 by a man who claimed to have a rental property available and then put them in touch with a supposed listing agent who was part of the scheme.

The victims said they responded to an online advertisement for a house in the area and were told by the man that the property was still available. He then connected them with someone he described as the listing agent handling the rental. The family followed the instructions they were given and sent the money, believing they were securing the home.

After the payment was made, the family reportedly had trouble getting further responses. Attempts to reach the man and the so-called agent became difficult, and the promised paperwork and keys never materialized. It soon became clear that the house was not actually being rented out by the people who had taken the money.

The case highlights a growing problem in rental markets where demand is high and listings move quickly. Scammers often copy photos and details from legitimate real estate advertisements and use them to lure renters who are eager to secure a place before someone else does. They frequently invent a second person, such as a listing agent or property manager, to make the operation appear more credible.

Authorities advise renters to verify that the person offering a property is properly licensed, to avoid sending money before seeing a lease and confirming ownership, and to be wary of anyone who pushes for fast payment through informal channels. The family involved in the Hampton Bays case is now working with investigators and hopes others will be more careful before handing over cash for a home they have not been able to confirm is real.