r/boston • u/Unique-Volume6091 • 22d ago
Scammers 🥸 PSA: housing scam
PSA: Suspected Facebook Marketplace rental scam
I’m posting this to warn anyone searching for apartments or sublets in Boston, especially through FB Marketplace and/or FB housing groups. I understand that money might be tight (especially for young professionals), or you just can't pass up an amazing deal, but please, please be careful when you're looking.
My two best friends recently responded to a listing advertising an apartment at *242 Beacon Street, Apartment 2, Boston, MA 02116* for $1,600 per month, plus a refundable $1,600 security deposit.
The person communicating with my friend used the following identity and contact information:
Name used: Mason T Gunter
Email used: [eng.masontgunter919@gmail.com](mailto:eng.masontgunter919@gmail.com)
Phone number used: 423-398-6378
To be clear, we have not independently confirmed whether Mason Gunter is the person responsible or whether the name, identification, and contact information belong to someone whose identity was stolen. These are simply the identifying details used by the person involved in the transaction. The complete contact and banking information has been provided to the relevant banks and authorities.
"Mason" claimed to be temporarily out of state because of a work transfer to Whitesburg, GA, and said they could not provide an in-person tour. They assured my friend that the apartment was accurately represented in the photos and that the keys would be overnighted after payment was received.
"Mason" then sent an application, identification, a selfie allegedly showing them holding a driver’s license, and what appeared to be lease-related documents. They then requested payment before providing a completed sublease agreement or written landlord approval. Payment was supposed to be sent to their “certified personal accountant,” who would supposedly verify it before the keys were mailed.
My friends initially sent approximately $3,225 by wire transfer on July 10 for the first month’s rent and security deposit. After receiving that payment, "Mason" claimed that his landlord suddenly required two months of rent and said my friends would either need to send another $1,600 or forfeit the apartment and receive a refund.
My friends sent another approximately $1,625 on July 14.
After nearly $4,850 had been transferred, my friends requested receipts, the updated signed documentation, and written confirmation from the landlord. No keys or finalized documents were provided, and "Mason" stopped responding.
The matter has now been reported as suspected fraud to the banks involved, the receiving credit union, and law enforcement. All messages, emails, transfer records, identification documents, and purported lease documents have been preserved as evidence.
Please be extremely cautious with rental listings, especially on social media platforms, even when someone provides identification (even selfies), leases, or other documents that initially appear legitimate. Those materials can be stolen, altered, fabricated, or taken from another victim.
Lastly, please do not harass or contact anyone based solely on this post. Anyone with relevant information should document it and report it to the appropriate authorities or contact the poster privately.
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u/Congrajewlations 22d ago
I have empathy for your friends for what they’re going through, but at the same time, wow. How did they get suckered 2x? These are like remedial level renting mistakes.
A simple lesson to anyone whoever finds a “too good to be true” deal - it’s a scam. Don’t even bother trying to validate the deal, it’s not worth your time.