KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The cost of renting an apartment or home is going up in East Tennessee and scammers are taking advantage. One Knoxville woman believed she found a great deal in Fountain City, but all along she was talking with a con artist.
Marie Weston lost $60 to the scammer, but the swindler also tried to use her debit card. Fortunately, the $1200 transaction fell through because Weston had taken quick action. It was the lure of an affordable rental apartment that initiated a lesson never to be forgotten.
Due to a bad knee, Weston can’t navigate the stairs in her townhouse apartment like she used to. So early this month, the mother of 3 adult children, went online to the TN Housing Development Agency’s website looking for a single-level apartment. She had her eye on a duplex in North Knoxville and called who she believed was the landlord.
“She immediately answered the phone, this Miss Lee,” said Watson. “She told me the duplex was available and it was ready to be rented.”
“She said it was for $725 a month. I said, wow, that’s a good deal for Fountain City. I said that’s awful low are you sure? She said, yes, I’m sure.”
Watson said she had already been by the apartment and was interested in it. Miss Lee had her fill out this application, which includes personal information, like her debit card number.
“Then she said, I would have to…
