BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Prominent Baltimore attorney **Barry Glazer** has launched a **class-action lawsuit** against tech giants **Meta** and **Google**, aiming to address the troubling issue of squatting in Maryland’s real estate market. This suit, supported by **property owners** and **real estate professionals**, highlights how social media may be complicit in facilitating this epidemic.
During a recent interview at the scenic **Canton waterfront** in Baltimore, Glazer, flanked by his client, **Gina Gargeu**, discussed the mounting challenges their business faces due to alleged squatting incidents. Gargeu, a seasoned real estate professional, revealed that she was grappling with yet another squatting case as recently as today.
“As we were setting up for the interview, I got a call from a realtor,” Gargeu shared, recalling a distressing incident where a squatter was found inside one of her listings. “[The alleged squatter] said she was going to stay.”
Gargeu co-owns **Century 21 Downtown** with Glazer, and with over **28 years** of real estate experience, she has witnessed properties from her firm advertised on platforms like **Instagram** and **Facebook Marketplace**—often touting connections to rentals for a seemingly harmless fee.
According to Glazer and Gargeu, the deceptive nature of these ads is not just devious but also a responsibility that social media platforms should manage. Their federal complaint emphasizes that these companies must prioritize **public safety** and curb economic crimes that exploit their platforms.
“Squatters are risking the possibility of getting shot,” Glazer cautioned. “If you saw a stranger in a house that you own, you might take some pretty radical action.”
Indeed, their concern is justified. The impending lawsuit, now awaiting **certification** from the U.S. District Court of Maryland, aims to shed light on the squatting challenges plaguing residents statewide.
Unpacking the Lawsuit: What’s at Stake?
The crux of the lawsuit is clear: **property owners** and **real estate companies** across the U.S.—those with vacant properties unlawfully accessed thanks to social media hype—deserve protection. Gargeu articulates the financial burdens imposed by squatting issues that disrupt operations and threaten profits.
“I have to call the police, meet them, and file a report,” Gargeu explained, emphasizing the cycle of frustration. “The police may not remove them, leaving me with a listing I can’t sell for potentially another two years.”
Law Enforcement’s Dilemma
Interestingly, Maryland police agencies have stringent policies limiting their involvement in squatting cases, often advising affected owners that legal routes are the way to go. In some cases, courts have seen **sophisticated** yet dubious lease agreements presented by squatters, raising concerns over their authenticity.
For example, one such document, titled **“Squatters Lease Agreement Addendum,”** reportedly secured an alleged occupant access to a property in **Middle River, MD** for a one-time payment of **$1,500**. The owner, referred to as **Pete**, indicated that squatters demanded **$5,000** for their departure, hinting at the financial pitfalls facing property owners.
Legislative Actions and Challenges
In response to the squatting crisis, the **Maryland General Assembly** has passed legislation aimed at streamlining the removal of unauthorized occupants, albeit with constraints that maintain squatters’ rights. Observers note that despite these measures, the eviction process can be lengthy and cumbersome—potentially extending to **seven weeks or more**.
Gargeu’s sentiments reflect a widespread frustration: “It’s a farce, and I want to see it stop.”
The Corporate Response: Maintaining Accountability
As the situation unfolds, both **Meta** and **Google** were approached for comments concerning the lawsuit and their strategies for handling fake or dangerous ads. While Google remained silent, a public affairs representative from Meta did provide a link to their **ad policy**, suggesting a veneer of accountability.
“Thanks for reaching out,” said Nkechi Nneji from Meta. “I don’t believe we have a comment on this suit but I am asking my team.”
Glazer is adamant that social media companies are shirking responsibility: “The government has given them immunity, but where the violation is clear, that immunity doesn’t stand.” He calls for supervisors to ensure that ads undergo proper scrutiny before being posted.
“They’re not even looking at their ads,” Glazer asserted.
Looking Ahead: The Implications of the Lawsuit
Through this class-action lawsuit, Glazer aims to unite a national network of property owners and retail professionals who have suffered consequences due to social media-fueled squatting. His ultimate goal? Send a strong message to the social media giants: **“Get ready to write a big check.”**
For those interested in staying informed about this evolving story, follow Gary Collins with Spotlight on Maryland on X. If you have news tips, please share them via email at [email protected].
Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun.
