September 18, 2025 NEW YORK CITY — In a city where finding an affordable apartment can feel like a full-time job, a chilling tale of deception has unfolded in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. Nicholas Fuelling, 43, a man accused of orchestrating a brazen apartment rental scam, has turned himself in to police at the 18th Precinct, facing a staggering 14 counts of grand larceny.
The allegations paint a picture of a sophisticated scheme that targeted desperate renters on social media. According to victims, Fuelling advertised a stunning two-bedroom apartment at 334 West 47th St. for $3,200. It was an offer too good to be true, and for a group of hopeful tenants, it proved to be just that.
Among those allegedly scammed was Miguel Márchese, a young, aspiring model who moved to New York City with big dreams. He found the listing on Facebook and, after a down payment, believed he had secured his new home. The illusion shattered when he started looking for a roommate and discovered he wasn't the only one who had paid Fuelling for the same address.
Márchese's story isn't unique. Eyewitness News spoke with other alleged victims, including Maria Cordeiro and a woman named Nathalia, who both shared similar accounts. They grew suspicious when they noticed the apartment listing was still active on Facebook long after they had made their payments.
The victims, united by their shared ordeal, eventually formed a group chat aptly named "We've Been Scammed." This digital support group became a critical tool, allowing them to pool their information and realize the full extent of the alleged scam. Their collective efforts ultimately helped bring the case to the attention of authorities.
