NYPD Seeks Suspect in Hell's Kitchen Rental Scam Defrauding Dozens

Nicholas Fuelling is being sought by the NYPD for allegedly running a rental scam in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, where he defrauded at least nine prospective tenants of thousands of dollars each by posing as a landlord for a two-bedroom apartment listed at $3,200 per month. Victims, including 24-year-old aspiring model Miguel Márchese, were convinced by Fuelling's seemingly legitimate lease documents, social media presence, and in-person interactions, only to discover multiple people had paid deposits for the same apartment. Despite red flags such as Fuelling's distracted behavior and overlapping showings, renters trusted him until they connected with others who were similarly scammed and realized the extent of the fraud. The scam has garnered attention from local officials, including Councilman Erik Bottcher, who urged vigilance and encouraged victims to file police reports; a flyer with Fuelling's description has been circulated in the neighborhood. Fuelling's roommate also claims to have been defrauded for unpaid rent, highlighting the broader impact of the scheme. Authorities continue to investigate, and anyone with information has been asked to contact the NYPD to aid in Fuelling's apprehension.