Kara received her Homeless to Homes (H2H) materials from Nicholas House. She was discouraged to learn that she had to pay all application fees, find a three-bedroom unit for $1,000 or less, and secure housing by July 3. She made 17 calls but spoke with only five agents; three refused “assisted tenants.” Nicholas House then emailed that hotel funding would end on June 30.

She found a Craigslist ad for a three-bedroom house in Marietta for $950. A representative named Norman confirmed that they accepted the subsidy and offered a tour of a nicer 2,900-square-foot house for $1,100. Kara was overwhelmed by the home’s features. Norman urged her to apply immediately, claiming that technology allowed decisions in 30 minutes. She paid a $70 fee, and he said she was approved.

Norman pressed for the $1,100 security deposit via wire transfer. Kara noticed an Invitation Homes magnet warning about rental scams. The lease listed the landlord as Norman Thomas (not Invitation Homes) and required a wire to someone named Miki Gress. The rent was impossibly low for such a house. Despite the evidence, Kara struggled to accept that the opportunity was too good to be true.