South Florida renters defrauded by fake realtor Luisa Chacon listing on Zelle, leading to reputational harm and legal complaints against real Luisa Chacon

Summary

A scammer posing as a realtor named Luisa Chacon defrauded multiple victims in South Florida by offering fake apartment listings and requesting money through Zelle. One victim, Fatima Hopkins, sent $1,610 in an attempt to secure a $850-per-month apartment, only to be scammed. The real Luisa Chacon, a legitimate realtor, was unfairly targeted as angry victims showed up at her home and office, demanding money and leaving threats. The scammer used Chacon’s real estate license number and personal address, causing reputational damage and legal complaints against her. Despite reporting the scam to police, Chacon was told the case would not be investigated. NBC6 contacted Zillow, which removed the fake listing, and some victims recovered partial funds through banks involved in the Zelle transfers, but most lost their money.