MIAMI — A man accused in a Facebook Marketplace rental scam says he’s not the one responsible, even as investigators say multiple victims lost thousands of dollars in the scheme.

A Local 10 News crew went to Westland Mall Thursday to meet with the man at the center of the case after he agreed to speak in a public place.

Joseph Saroza has been arrested and is facing multiple counts of fraud. Police say he scammed at least six people through bogus Facebook Marketplace apartment rentals around Miami, taking deposits for units that didn’t exist and allegedly providing fake keys. Detectives say victims lost thousands of dollars.

But in an exclusive interview with Local 10 News, Saroza pushed back, saying he’s the one who was actually scammed by someone else.

Investigators say people paid deposits, received fake key cards and leases, and were ultimately swindled.

After reporters went to Saroza’s home Wednesday night seeking his side of the story, he later called and agreed to talk.

When asked about the scam, he said he didn’t know about it.

“Correct,” Saroza said. “It’s the other guy. The money to bond me out was raised by family members.”

Local 10 News’ Jeff Derderian also pressed him about alleged fake key cards, leases and cash payments from victims.

“Like I told you on the phone, if I have to work for three years straight, I’ll do it,” he said.

When asked why he allegedly cut off communication with people who believed they were renting apartments, Saroza said he was not the one controlling the phone tied to the operation.

Saroza says he is done with the apartment rental business, but he remains in the legal system. He is now facing multiple fraud charges tied to the alleged scheme.

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