A real estate influencer nicknamed Tom Monopoly is in turmoil, suspected of having cheated individuals with the promise of juicy returns after work. But the wonderful returns are slow to materialize, leaving doubt about the true intentions of this web figure. The continuation of this affair, which looks like a life-size Monopoly, risks shaking the walls…
In the twists and turns of the web, a name has resonated in recent days, raising as many questions as concerns: Tom Monopoly. Behind this board game-like pseudonym hides Tommy Goudey, an influencer at the heart of a financial scandal that is shaking the internet. Promises of incredible returns, unfinished work, losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros… The pawns seem to have frozen on the board of this life-size Monopoly.
The King of Real Estate 2.0?
With more than 100,000 followers on InstagramTommy Goudey aka Tom Monopoly had built a solid reputation in the world of real estate investment. Presenting himself as a “real estate and business coach”, he provided advice and tips for building an empire with small green and red houses. But behind this digital success story are emerging today the outlines of a potential large-scale scam.
According to a source close to the investigation, at least fifteen individuals suffered serious financial damage after following the influencer's recommendations. Attracted by the prospect of significant returns on investment, they would have entrusted companies linked to Tom Monopoly the renovation of newly acquired real estate. But the work would never have been completed, leaving investors with unsanitary properties and slates as long as a day without bread.
We were promised the moon, crazy returns after work. In the end, we end up with thermal strainers and unpaid material bills.
A cheated investor
A Web of Opaque Societies
The Montbéliard public prosecutor's office, which has launched a call for witnesses against Tom Monopoly, is trying to unravel the tangle of companies revolving around the influencer. Because if Tommy Goudey constantly proclaims his innocence, claiming to be “only a business broker”, certain disturbing elements raise questions. The influencer would indeed have held shares in at least one of the renovation companies in question and could have played a more active role than he claims in what amounts to an organized gang scam.
Beyond the financial damage, it is all the confidence in the ecosystem of real estate influencers which could be shaken. At a time when many individuals are turning to social networks in search of advice on how to make their money grow, the Tom Monopoly affair sounds like a serious reminder to be careful.
Towards a “Game Over” for Tom Monopoly?
Coincidence of the calendar or irony of fate, it is in the middle of the holiday season, traditionally conducive to wild games of Monopoly, that Tommy Goudey's house of cards threatens to collapse. The influencer, who promises to “easily demonstrate [qu’il n’est] not a crook”, will he be able to land on his feet like a hotel cat? Nothing is less certain, as the overwhelming testimonies accumulate over the days.
One thing is certain: this incredible affair, worthy of the best games of Monopoly, is far from having revealed all its secrets. Between the opacity of financial arrangements, ghost work and pressure on former partners, there are still many gray areas. Enough to fuel discussions on the networks and at dinners in town for a long time, while waiting for justice to pass “Go” and possibly pocket the 20,000 francs – or rather euros – bail.
In the meantime, the little investor pawns remain frozen on the board, their eyes glued to the dice, secretly hoping for a saving double six. But in this high-risk Monopoly, nothing says that a last minute turnaround will save them from the situation. The banker seems to have left the table a long time ago, leaving a bitter taste of defeat in the throats of the cheated players.
