Annette Anderson Accused of Rent Fraud Involving 23 Rental Properties
Annette Anderson, a resident of York County, Pennsylvania, is facing serious charges of theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking. According to reports, she allegedly scammed tenants of 23 rental properties by convincing them to pay their rent directly to her instead of the actual property owner.
Anderson began assisting her elderly mother in 2024, managing the rental properties on behalf of a different landlord. However, it was later revealed that her mother was not the owner of the properties but was simply overseeing them. This arrangement led to a major financial discrepancy when Anderson allegedly stopped forwarding the rent payments to her mother and instead claimed she was keeping the money safe at home.
By October 2024, Anderson had reportedly stopped transferring the rent money. In April 2025, her mother informed the property owner that she had not received any payments for months. The property owner attempted to contact Anderson multiple times before eventually involving the police. When the police reached out to her, Anderson reportedly expressed shame over her actions, claiming she had been involved in gambling at a local casino.
She told the police she would be able to repay the stolen funds by April 28 and said she was seeking help for her gambling problem. However, since then, she has gone missing, and her current whereabouts remain unknown.
Tenants Express Shock and Concern
The revelation of Anderson’s alleged crimes has left many tenants deeply upset. One tenant, Annette Martinez, who is not related to Anderson, shared her frustration with local news station 21 News. “Knowing a person like that took money from people like us, and you know, us trusting her and sending out payments like that, yeah it’s upsetting, it’s very upsetting.”
According to the York City Police Department, some tenants paid not only their rent but also additional fees for sewage and trash through Anderson. She even asked tenants to send payments via Venmo or CashApp, in addition to traditional methods such as cashier’s checks or cash.
This situation has created uncertainty among tenants, many of whom are now worried about losing their homes. Gilberto Rivera, another tenant, stated, “People going in the street, a lot of people are going homeless because the rent is going too high.”
Legal Implications and Possible Outcomes
It is unclear how the property owner plans to handle the stolen rent money. Some tenants have reported that the owners have hired new personnel to collect rent and have issued letters stating their intention to “work this out.” However, similar cases in other states have shown that tenants may still be held responsible for the unpaid rent, even if they were victims of fraud.
In a 2023 case in Tennessee, tenants were told that the theft of their rent payments wasn’t their fault, but they were still expected to pay the company again. This highlights the importance of maintaining a clear paper trail of all payments made.
If the checks sent by tenants were not tampered with and were correctly made out to Anderson’s mother, she could potentially be held liable for the stolen funds.
How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams
For those who suspect they may have fallen victim to a rental scam, contacting your state’s rental board is a crucial first step. In New York, for example, the Housing and Tenant Protection Unit (HTPU) provides assistance to tenants in such situations.
Tenants are advised to keep detailed records of all payments made, including receipts and payment confirmations. This documentation can help law enforcement determine how much was stolen and also serve as proof that the tenant paid their rent in good faith.
Property owners and managers are also encouraged to adopt more secure methods of collecting rent. This includes using online payment systems or accepting payments in person during business hours. Contracts should clearly outline how rent should be collected and paid, with provisions to protect the interests of the property owner.
What to Do Next
If you believe you have been affected by a rental scam, take immediate action. Contact local authorities, document all interactions, and consider seeking legal advice. Keeping a detailed record of all transactions can make a significant difference in resolving the issue.
For further guidance on protecting yourself from rental fraud, consult local housing authorities or legal experts in your area. Staying informed and proactive can help prevent future incidents and ensure that your rights are protected.
