Couple Falls Victim to Rental Scam on Facebook Marketplace

Couple's dream home turns into nightmare after discovering fake listing

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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A young couple from Tallahassee thought they had found their dream home in Jacksonville after seeing a listing on Facebook Marketplace, but their excitement soon turned to devastation when they learned a week after moving in that the listing was a scam. The couple, Asia Thomas and Austin Plouse, had packed up their belongings and made the 2.5-hour trip, only to be kicked out of the home by the legitimate property manager, Invitation Homes. The couple is now struggling to recover financially from the incident.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing problem of rental scams on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, which can have devastating consequences for unsuspecting victims. It serves as a cautionary tale for others looking to rent properties online and underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting listings and landlords to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent activities.

The details

Thomas and Plouse said they thought they were acting in good faith when they responded to the Facebook Marketplace listing, but it turned out to be an elaborate scam. The 'landlord' asked them to pay the deposit and first month's rent via Zelle and Apple gift cards, and refused to send them a contract until the payments were made. Despite Thomas' initial skepticism, the 'landlord' provided a fake ID, and the couple was able to view the house and retrieve the key from a lockbox. However, a week after moving in, the police and a representative from Invitation Homes, the legitimate property manager, arrived and informed the couple that the listing was fraudulent.

  • The couple made the 2.5-hour trip from Tallahassee to Jacksonville in late 2025.
  • A week after moving into the home, the police and Invitation Homes representative arrived to inform the couple the listing was a scam.
  • The city of Jacksonville provided emergency financial assistance to the couple, covering a storage unit and the cost of a U-Haul.

The players

Asia Thomas

A young woman who, along with her boyfriend, fell victim to the rental scam.

Austin Plouse

Thomas' boyfriend, who was also involved in the rental scam.

Invitation Homes

The legitimate property management company that owns the home the couple had moved into.

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What they’re saying

“We thought we were acting in good faith, and it turned out it was some unlawful stuff going on.”

— Asia Thomas

“These people are good. They're very good at what they do.”

— Austin Plouse

“I put all my faith into making this transition for better opportunities just for it all to be snatched away. It's just like starting from fresh up, nothing. So that's devastating.”

— Asia Thomas

What’s next

The couple is still looking for a new place to rent, but the financial setback from the scam has made the process difficult. The police have advised the couple not to respond to any further attempts at contact from the 'landlord'.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting rental listings and landlords, especially when using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Prospective renters should be wary of requests for cash or gift card payments, lack of a formal contract, and any other suspicious activities that could indicate a scam.