A Milwaukee mother of four says her family was left homeless after falling for an online apartment scam that cost her $1,200.
Mary Kaphuka, who had recently returned to Milwaukee from Missouri with her fiancé, children, and a baby on the way, told reporters she believed she had found the perfect place to start over.
The listing came from a woman on Facebook identifying herself as “Ms. Allie,” who claimed to operate a business helping at-risk mothers secure housing.
Trusting the offer, Kaphuka paid the deposit and prepared for move-in day, only to discover the address she was given did not match any actual property.
“She stopped answering and even responding to my messages,” Kaphuka told WLBT. “My hard-earned money, I worked for that you took from me and my family and left us with nothing.”
Since then, the family has been moving between friends’ homes, relatives, and temporary hotel stays. With options dwindling, Kaphuka says she will seek space in a local shelter.
She has filed a police report and hopes the woman behind the scam will face criminal charges. Kaphuka also intends to take the matter to small claims court to recover the stolen funds.
