Around 21 million Americans pay HOA fees for their home.
These fees are designed to cover maintenance for shared spaces and amenities, such as community pools or parks. They may also cover maintenance for individual residences.
While this may sound good in theory, the internet is filled with HOA horror stories. For example, one woman claimed that she joined her HOA’s board as a joke—and seemingly exposed a wide-ranging embezzlement scheme.
Given the potential for fraud, it’s understandable why one may question where all their money is going. One woman did this at her local HOA meeting—and she couldn’t believe the response.
What Happened At This Woman’s HOA Meeting?
In a video posted to TikTok, user Lori (@notannoyinglybetter) says that, during a recent meeting of her HOA, she asked about an increase in their “clubhouse fee.” According to Lori, her questions were simply related to where this increased payment was going.
When she posed the question, however, the response shocked her. As evidence, she plays a recording from the HOA meeting.
After clarifying which payments are going to come out of the fee, she notes that a previous invoice was for around $2000; meanwhile, the new fees will have the HOA bringing in around $3,500.
Upon hearing this, one of the board members begins shouting.
“That doesn’t include gas, that doesn’t include internet, that doesn’t include any of those things,” one of the board members yells. “You clearly have a very specific agenda for being here, and I don’t want to deal with it tonight.”
Confused, Lori asks someone near her if she’s “asking the question like a normal person.”
What follows is an increasingly aggravated series of questions. Lori asks about where money is going, why it’s being kept, and what plans the HOA has to use this money. And in response, board members yell at her. Eventually, one member simply says, “You know what? I don’t even want to talk,” telling Lori to “put that on your little recording.”
How Common Is HOA Fraud?
While Lori does not make any allegations of fraud, the board’s defensiveness led several commenters to question whether the members were using the HOA for their own benefit.
“Ooohhhhh….they’re skimming! Request an audit,” wrote a user.
“They get triggered because they’re pocketing money,” added another.
About half of homes currently on the market are part of an HOA. Given this, it’s understandable that some would hear stories like Lori’s and wonder just how common fraud in HOAs is.
Unfortunately, there’s no solid data showing the prevalence of HOA fraud. That said, experts agree that it is a real problem—and one that’s becoming a greater concern as more homes join HOAs.
Some Notable HOA Fraud Cases
HOA skeptics point to the incredible amount of fraud cases involving HOAs as a sign that one should keep a close eye on where their association’s funds are going.
For example, in April 2025, a Miami man was arrested for allegedly stealing over $15,000 in association funds.
Another Miami-Dade county HOA was subject to a years-long investigation after it was alleged that the HOA used shell companies to secretly divert association funds to themselves and their friends, disguising the transfers as legitimate vendor payments. Several people were arrested as part of this investigation.
A further investigation found that a Colorado HOA member diverted nearly $700,000 in HOA funds to her personal accounts. She then used the money to buy luxury goods and pay off her own mortgage.
@notannoyinglybetter We already know board member number 2 is unhinged because the last time he lost his temper with a resident he got arrested for assault. 😬 #trumpers #fragile #fragilemasculinity #emotional
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your HOA Of Fraud?
There are a few things to look for if you suspect your HOA of fraud.
First, a lack of transparency from the board regarding financial issues could be a sign of fraud. HOAs are supposed to be fairly transparent with how much money is coming in, how much money is spent on vendors, and how much money is being saved. If the HOA refuses to divulge that information, or puts up barriers to prevent one from easily accessing it, it could be a sign of fraud.
Second, if you have access to your HOA’s financial statements, be on the lookout for irregular vendor contracts. A common form of HOA fraud involves fake vendor deals, or deals with close associates pretending to be vendors. If any of these contracts look suspect, one should take note.
Finally, unexplained fee increases, missing funds, or difficult-to-explain expenses could also be signs that HOA fraud is occurring.
If you notice any of these things occurring, document as much evidence of the alleged fraud as possible. From there, you can take steps like requesting an external audit, bringing up the issue with your HOA, or, if necessary, hiring an attorney to resolve the issues through legal action.
BroBible reached out to Lori via TikTok direct message and comment.