My name is Julian McBride. I am a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong New Yorker with a clean record who has never been in trouble, does humanitarian work, writes publications, and stays out of trouble. However, recently, due to my housing situation, I applied for an apartment on the StreetEasy, which is listed as 63-14 Queens Blvd 2C Woodside, NY, 11377. A room for $1,080 a month.
After applying, I was reached out by a landlord named ‘Gary Gibson,’ who I felt skeptical about as he asked for deposit upfront before I could even have a tour. I immediately contacted StreetEasy support who confirmed on emails I saved that he was a valid landlord of the property. I gave StreetEasy his full name and phone number to verify, as I was previously a victim of grand larceny from the Roomies NYC app where $15,000 was stolen from me.
I proceeded with the process and was told I needed to pay a deposit and one month’s rent before the viewing. I was again highly skeptical of this as I was previously defrauded by the same measures. I again contacted StreetEasy to ask if this was legal and they confirmed that it was and that Gary was certified along with the accountant handling my case, Michael Fuentes.
I sent Gary and Michael $300 cash, $700 cash, and a $400 wire transfer, which I have receipts of all transactions and they recorded the receipts. I have given them to the 108th precinct on 8/31 as they are opening a case for me. This was enough for one month’s rent, and the deposit/application for a viewing.
Last weekend on Friday 8/29, I was told I still would not get a tour of the room because I had to pay for a second month’s rent despite my application being approved. I protested again through StreetEasy support who said I had to listen to Gary and Michael and that I wouldn’t be allowed a tour because of my credit. Remind you, I previously disclosed I was defrauded out of $15,000 of my life savings and paid for September rent and told I can easily make all monthly rental payments as my current landlord at 43-13 56th Woodside can confirm I am a great tenant and have never been late on rental payments.
After being coerced into giving up another $1,100, which I desperately needed to pay my bills this week as I lost my savings, Gary and Michael backed out after I sent them a check, saying it was no good and they couldn’t process it. StreetEasy support also said they were unauthorized to handle checks but accepted cash, Apple Card (illegal), and wire transfer (which is also vulnerable of scams).
I read NYC housing laws, and StreetEasy’s own guidelines states you do not have to pay for two months rent before a viewing.
Despite still feeling uncomfortable, I was afraid of being homeless and sent a $1,100 wire transfer through one of Michael’s associates. On Monday, I was told to immediate cancel it and Michael once again backed out of the tour. When I emailed StreetEasy support out of anger for giving away so much money without a tour, their support team was condescending, criticized my background and stated my wire transfer bounced. Remind you, Gary himself told me to cancel it, and it is coming as they’re all setting me up for defrauding/conning.
I will not be able to receive my money back or be credited for the $1,100 wire transfer as it takes weeks for processing. That means I have no money to pay for rent, my phone bill, and life insurance, which will all hit in early September.
Gary then claimed he would “help me” by sending me a loan of $20,000 through check through “his company” RP Products Inc in Schaunburg, Illinois. I was skeptical when I received the check and contacted the company in which the owner confirmed a man named Gary never worked for them, but that someone has been using their company name to steal money and defraud people.
That means StreetEasy has been working directly with Gary and Michael while they have been defrauding people and sending fraudulent checks in other company’s names.
Gary then said the only way I can get into the place was by sending the last $500 I had through Apple Card, which I also gave the NYPD the receipt of. He claimed I sent a bad Apple Card even though it was a new and fresh card, meaning I permanently lost $500. After saying through text, I was “scamming” and “playing” him that’s when I emotionally had enough and went to the 108th precinct to file the full report and told StreetEasy support I plan on thoroughly suing.
I am writing this because I’m a veteran who suffers from PTSD and sometimes dark and suicidal thoughts and knowing I’ve had my money stolen and could be homeless has exacerbated my depression and emotional distress. I have done nothing wrong except serve my country honorably, left the ghetto, got two degrees, and worked in research as a law-abiding citizen of NYC.
I attend to monetarily sue StreetEasy, Gary, Michael, and the parent Zillow company for emotional distress, defrauding me out of thousands, not allowing my right for a tour, price gouging, and leading a grand larceny scheme.
I have zero money to my
name and could be homeless by the time anyone sees this. I will attempt to crowdfund for money to get by and hope to raise a lawyer. I have filed a complaint through 311, NY housing, and will contact Housing Court and the NY AG and any NY politician I can find to help my plight.
To show I am real, you can Google my name, Julian McBride, and see my publications and Youtube talks I have conducted.
Proof of ongoing case:
My FBI case number is: a2b927b3914340ba879722afe123637a
FTC Case number: 205107448
*Awaiting NYPD 108th precinct case number
