A deaf woman in Toledo, Ohio, is facing homelessness after she says a scammer posing as a representative of the Deaf Services Center convinced her to hand over $12,000 while promising to help her obtain a new home.

Scam Details

Deborah Huber was evicted from her Vermaas Avenue home after falling behind on rent and other bills. The scam began about seven months ago when Huber was contacted through Facebook by someone claiming to represent the Deaf Services Center. The person allegedly told Huber she would receive a new home and furniture.

Believing the offer was legitimate, Huber turned over $12,000. However, the promised housing never materialized, and unpaid rent and other bills accumulated, ultimately leading to her eviction.

Aftermath

The eviction also displaced Huber’s son, Chris, and left the family scrambling for temporary housing. A family friend, Stephanie Coates, said Chris obtained temporary shelter through the Lucas County Board, although that arrangement was expected to last only a few days.

Coates said the family lives on limited monthly income, making it difficult to immediately secure another residence. The family also had to find somewhere for five dogs. Four were taken in by the Toledo Humane Society with help from a bailiff who was at the home during the eviction.

Huber’s fifth dog is a service animal that alerts her and therefore remains with her. A longtime friend has temporarily taken in Huber and her service dog, giving her a place to stay while she searches for permanent housing.

Huber said she is grateful for the help. She is now expected to work with the Deaf Services Center to find longer-term housing. A police report has been filed regarding the alleged scam. Investigators have indicated that recovering the $12,000 could be difficult.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.