Stolen Lockbox Keys and Forged Deeds: How a Long Island Fraud Ring Hijacked Homes for Cash

The Detailed Story

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A Long Island case showed why walking through a home does not prove that the person showing it has authority to rent it. Two suspects allegedly compromised exterior lockboxes, stole keys, and conducted unauthorized in-person tours.

Investigators said Bibi Soogea and William Fickbohm targeted properties in West Hempstead, East Meadow, and Hicksville during July and August 2026. The alleged operation paired physical access with forged county records, including false quitclaim deeds.

At a Meadowbrook Road property, a prospective tenant toured the home and paid a $7,000 security deposit. The victim discovered the fraud while trying to move in, when the true owner explained that the house had never been offered for rent and its lockbox keys had been stolen.

The defendants faced felony allegations including burglary, grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and possession of forged instruments. Homeowners were left confronting unauthorized access and title problems while renters lost essential housing funds.

Key Facts & Victim Impact

• Losses: Deposits commonly reported between $5,000 and $7,000 per fake lease.
• Attack: Lockbox compromise, physical key theft, forged deeds, and face-to-face owner impersonation.
• Homeowner harm: Clouded title, attempted break-ins, and unauthorized occupancy risks.
• Renter harm: Lost deposits and moving funds despite completing an actual property tour.

Critical Red Flags

1. Unattended lockbox showing: A vacant property is accessed without a licensed agent or verified property manager present.
2. Immediate physical payment: Pressure to hand over cash or a cashier’s check before ownership and authority are verified.
3. Recent quitclaim deed: County records show a sudden transfer between unrelated people for little or no consideration.
4. No independent office: The person showing the home cannot be confirmed through a brokerage or management company you locate yourself.

Irving’s Bottom Line

A working key proves access—not ownership. Before paying, verify the deed, call the listing office through an independently found number, and confirm that the person accepting funds is authorized in writing.