Houston police have uncovered an extensive real estate rental fraud operation allegedly involving four individuals, including a couple known for a previous road rage incident. The investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently rented properties by using stolen identities and then listed them for rent, mainly targeting tenants on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. The case underscores the growing issue of rental scams in Houston’s hot housing market, and authorities are advising potential renters to take extra precautions when dealing with online listings.
Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Houston Suburbs
Authorities in Houston recently apprehended four suspects in connection with a complex real estate rental fraud ring that involved leasing properties under stolen identities and then subletting them to unsuspecting renters. Many of these properties were located in Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston. The victim of identity theft, whose name was used to lease at least 13 properties, reported no knowledge of her information being misused in this manner. According to Houston police, the total amount involved in the fraud amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Background of Suspects and Viral Road Rage Incident
The suspects involved in this case include Benjamin Green and his wife, Naszalie Green, who were previously in the headlines due to a viral road rage incident in 2022. During that incident, a video captured a shooting on Houston’s North Freeway involving the couple. Although Benjamin Green was not charged, Naszalie pled guilty to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. This latest accusation against the couple indicates that they may have been involved in fraudulent activities while resolving their previous legal issues. Another suspect, Harold Doyle, is a realtor who had his license revoked in 2021. Doyle allegedly played a significant role in organizing the fraudulent leases, operating out of an office on the North Beltway where he previously provided tax services for the identity theft victim.
How the Scheme Operated
According to court documents, Doyle used the identity theft victim’s information to sign rental agreements for multiple properties, which were then relisted on Facebook Marketplace. Once listed, the properties were leased to tenants who were unaware of the scam. One tenant reported that he paid his deposit via Zelle to the fraudsters. As a standard practice, real estate agents are prohibited from accepting funds directly into their personal accounts; however, this guideline was ignored in the fraudulent transactions.
Houston real estate agent Troy Cothren, who is not involved in the case, emphasized that the city is particularly vulnerable to such rental scams. He advised renters to use reliable websites and avoid platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for securing rental properties, as these sites are frequently used by scammers. The Texas Real Estate Commission has since confirmed that Doyle’s real estate license had been revoked for some time, which raises further concerns about his involvement in the case.
Organized Effort Revealed Through Group Chats
Investigators discovered the extent of the fraud ring by examining group chats on a messaging app. One of the group chats, named “Office Ina,” included discussions about up to 62 different properties and other leads. Doyle, along with the Greens and another accomplice, Theresa Zuluga, reportedly orchestrated the rentals through falsified documentation. Zuluga admitted to receiving a 40% cut from each transaction, while the rest was split among the group, with Doyle allegedly leading the operation.
Authorities recovered a clipboard filled with documents containing the information of potential real estate leads in the suspects’ car. The police noted that the suspects had planned to continue their fraudulent activities until they were caught.
Tenant Warnings and Steps for Prevention
Local authorities are now urging potential renters to be extra vigilant when using non-traditional platforms like Facebook Marketplace to secure a lease. As a preventive measure, renters are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of both the property and the landlord. Houston real estate agent Cothren recommended that potential renters avoid platforms not affiliated with recognized real estate agencies or agents. “They need to stay off sites that aren’t proven to be accurate,” Cothren said.
This case serves as a reminder for prospective tenants to thoroughly vet rental listings and landlords, especially in a market as competitive as Houston’s. Online rental scams are increasing, with scam artists leveraging social media platforms to target unsuspecting renters.
Real Estate License Revoked
The Texas Real Estate Commission verified that Harold Doyle’s real estate license was officially revoked in 2021. This means that he was operating illegally while participating in this fraud scheme. Investigators have determined that all four individuals involved were familiar with the law, having either been charged or arrested in the past. Despite Doyle’s lack of a valid license, he continued to participate in real estate-related transactions, which only served to strengthen the case against him and his co-conspirators.
With the arrest of Doyle, the Greens, and Zuluga, authorities hope to send a strong message to others involved in similar fraudulent activities. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, as law enforcement officials work to identify additional victims who may have been defrauded by this scheme.
Conclusion
This recent fraud scheme highlights the importance of verifying the credentials of individuals and entities before engaging in real estate transactions. As the real estate market in Houston continues to grow, so does the opportunity for fraudsters to exploit vulnerable renters. Local authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious listings and to exercise caution when browsing online marketplaces for rental properties. Through awareness and vigilance, renters can better protect themselves against scams in the future.