A copy of the official confirmation PDF is embedded below. This document was submitted to the FTC on 11/30/2025.
This submission documents a multi-actor real-estate fraud scheme involving:
This report now resides in the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network for review by federal, state, and local law enforcement.
I was the lawful tenant of a residential property in Huntington Beach for nearly three years. During that time, the property owner and his associates engaged in a coordinated pattern of deception involving real-estate fraud, contract fraud, bank-instrument manipulation, extortion, and an unlicensed short-term-rental scheme. In April 2024 I paid the rent for the start of Year 3 by wire transfer. The owner’s agent confirmed receipt of payment in writing. Despite this, the owner later claimed in court that no payment existed. A second rent payment for July was also received but falsely described as “never arrived.” Banking records show the funds remained in the owner’s possession. No refunds were issued, and no lawful rent ledger was ever provided. After reporting habitability issues (including mold behind the south kitchen wall), I received retaliatory messages demanding early payment, threatening credit damage, imposing a $500 penalty, and directing me to route rent to a private account. When I refused, the owner issued an unsigned, unserved, facially defective 3-day notice and filed eviction based on false claims. During this period, an individual associated with the property arrived in a truck and acted in an intimidating manner on the residence’s lawn. Police were notified. The owner’s agent later invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned about rent handling. After we were displaced, I discovered through a freight notification that the property had been converted into an unlicensed Airbnb. My belongings—including my bed—were removed from the home, never placed in storage, and were not returned. During the tenancy I sent certified notices, including one to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices corporate, whose agents handled the property. Records confirm Berkshire received multiple notices of fraudulent conduct and contract irregularities but failed to intervene. The conduct includes: • false court statements • concealed payments • extortion-style demands • forged or altered lease documents • conversion of tenant property • unlicensed Airbnb operation • retaliation for reporting code violations • corporate failure to act after documented notice This report was submitted so the FTC and its partner agencies may review these deceptive and financially harmful business practices.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – California Properties (Huntington Beach Office)
20875 Goldenwest Street, Suite 100
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-846-3800
Email: info@bhhscal.com
Website: https://www.bhhscalifornia.com
Individual Reported:
Phat Tran — Property Owner / Operator