A Houston-area real estate agent is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with three felonies related to identity theft and fraud.
Vanita Zano, 36, is accused of using fraudulent documents and stealing another person’s identity to secure rental leases for multiple individuals across the Houston area.
Charges and Allegations
Zano has been charged with making a false statement to obtain property or credit, securing the execution of a document by deception, and fraudulent use of identifying information. She was arrested on February 26 but has since been released on a $15,000 bond.
According to court documents, between July 12, 2022, and March 28, 2024, Zano allegedly orchestrated $176,940 worth of fraudulent leases for at least five individuals. Authorities say she used another person’s identity to bypass background and credit checks, submitted fake pay stubs, and even forged a disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs to make applicants appear as qualified tenants.
Investigators also claim Zano collected commissions from the rental properties along with upfront fees, while the tenants she assisted would not have been approved had their real information been submitted.
How the Fraud Was Uncovered
The case came to light on April 1, 2024, when a Texas Real Estate Commission investigator alerted Houston police about a suspicious rental application. A landlord reportedly discovered the fraud upon realizing that the person named on the lease was not the individual actually living in the apartment.
Further investigation revealed that the real person listed on the application was of a different race and had no connection to the property. The victim, whose identity was stolen, stated she never authorized anyone to use her personal information and has been trying to resolve the issue for over a year. She intends to press charges.
Realtor’s Profile Removed
Following the allegations, Zano’s profile has been removed from the Houston Association of Realtors website.
The Houston Association of Realtors released a statement saying:
“Vanita Zano is not a member of the Houston Association of Realtors. We are unable to provide any further information regarding this individual.
In partnership with Crime Stoppers, we have a website where people can find information about red flags to look out for regarding rental scams. You may learn more at HAR.com/tips.”
Authorities urge anyone who suspects rental fraud or identity theft to report it to law enforcement immediately.
