A Malibu real estate agent and long-time resident, Liz Benichou, voiced concerns about increased vulnerability to housing scams following the recent Los Angeles wildfires. She highlighted the case of Ellie Mae McNulty, an actress accused of exploiting numerous Malibu homeowners over the past decade by gaining their trust and then overstaying her welcome, sometimes for extended periods, according to an initial report by Vanity Fair.

Benichou described McNulty as a "predator" who preys on those she perceives as vulnerable, using her charm and purported connections to manipulate her victims. She expressed disbelief at how McNulty managed to evade detection for so long in a community as close-knit as Malibu.

One alleged victim, Alden Marin, met McNulty on a beach in 2021. He offered her a place to stay while she supposedly waited for her new home to be ready. Weeks turned into months, and McNulty allegedly refused to pay rent, offering a string of excuses. Marin's family claims McNulty subjected him to intense psychological distress, ultimately leading to his hospitalization. While he was receiving medical care, McNulty allegedly changed the locks on his house. According to Vanity Fair, Marin's family discovered he was not McNulty's first victim. They pursued legal action, and a judge ordered McNulty to vacate the property.

Benichou believes such schemes are not isolated incidents and fears the recent wildfires will exacerbate the problem, as displaced individuals become more desperate for housing. She emphasized California's tenant-friendly laws, which can make evictions a lengthy and complex process, potentially taking months or even years. She cited the difficulty of removing someone who has resided in a property for over 14 days, as they can potentially claim tenancy rights. Benichou also noted that California's status as a sanctuary state further complicates the situation, suggesting it will require significant effort to reform tenancy laws to better protect homeowners.

The wildfires have compounded the existing housing crisis, which Benichou says was already evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes some individuals exploited the moratorium on evictions, and she anticipates similar attempts to capitalize on the current disaster. However, she also acknowledges the challenges faced by tenants, with some landlords allegedly attempting to raise rents despite emergency orders prohibiting increases of more than 10% in Los Angeles County. The complexity of the situation is further complicated by variations in local regulations, such as rent control policies in cities like Santa Monica, which can make evictions even more challenging.