LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach police have arrested Anne Bergstedt, 40, who is accused of stealing nearly $50,000 from prospective tenants over more than two years through fake apartment listings.
Authorities said Bergstedt collected security deposits ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 from more than a dozen victims, then cut off communication, keeping the money. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges.
Victims shared their frustration. Makayla Sanger said she and her partner quit their jobs and packed to move to Long Beach after paying a security deposit, only to discover the apartment didn’t exist. Bergstedt allegedly claimed she had been hospitalized for cancer to stall the couple. Though they eventually got their money back, they had to remain in Texas.
Marcia Martinez lost nearly $4,000 in December 2024 on a Long Beach loft that Bergstedt had no right to sublease. “It was an emotional roller coaster,” Martinez said.
Many victims documented their experiences online, on platforms like Reddit and dedicated websites, drawing attention to Bergstedt’s alleged scam. Investigative attempts to contact Bergstedt in 2024 and 2025 were unsuccessful, with phone numbers disconnected.
Court documents show an arrest warrant was issued based on accounts from 14 victims, resulting in 15 charges, including grand theft and obtaining money by false pretenses. One victim was reportedly defrauded twice.
Bergstedt, also known for fighting her landlord to keep her pet pig in her apartment as a service animal, was booked with bail set at $150,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 3.
Victims expressed relief at the arrest. “The entire time she was just lying. It was messed up across the board,” said Sanger. “I’m happy justice is being served.”
