Aline Paixão, a 32-year-old woman, was arrested on Tuesday in the Federal District of Brazil on suspicions of running a scam involving fake rental advertisements. She faced at least 37 complaints from victims between 2022 and 2025. According to local police, she would create imitation ads of legitimate rentals, collect advance payments from victims, and then block their contact, leaving them with no means to retrieve their money or the promised rental property.

The investigation lasted six months and was conducted by the 8th Police Station in Taguatinga. Authorities revealed that the fraudulent ads included listings for apartments in prime areas such as Águas Claras and Plano Piloto in the Federal District, as well as in Pirenópolis, Goiás. The police emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that Paixão would face charges of electronic fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of up to eight years in prison for each occurrence. Given the number of cases linked to her, the total incarceration period could exceed 13 years, in addition to potential fines.

This case highlights a growing trend of online scams in Brazil, especially in real estate, as more individuals turn to digital platforms for housing searches. The police's swift response and extensive investigation underline the importance of safeguarding consumers in the rental market, and serve as a warning to potential scammers that law enforcement is actively pursuing such fraudulent activities. Furthermore, it raises awareness among renters to verify the legitimacy of listings before making any financial commitments.