Woman accused of posing as real estate agent to collect security deposits in Loudoun County

May 23, 2026 - 02:36

A 45-year-old woman is facing charges after authorities say she pretended to be a licensed real estate agent and collected security deposits for rental properties she had no authority to lease. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest following an investigation into complaints from multiple victims who lost money on homes that were never actually available for rent.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly advertised rental listings online, met with prospective tenants, and accepted cash payments for security deposits and first month's rent. The victims, believing they were dealing with a legitimate agent, handed over thousands of dollars only to discover later that the properties were either already occupied or not under the woman's control. In some cases, the homes were not even for rent.

The scheme appears to have targeted people looking for housing in a tight market, where competition for rentals is high and urgency can cloud judgment. Authorities say the woman used fake documents and posed as a representative of a real estate firm to make the transactions appear legitimate. She was taken into custody without incident and now faces multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretenses and impersonating a licensed professional.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. They are urging anyone who dealt with the suspect or paid deposits for properties that fell through to contact the sheriff's office. The case highlights the risks of rushing into rental agreements without verifying the credentials of the person handling the transaction. Officials recommend always checking a real estate agent's license through the state regulatory board before handing over any money.