
Who Is Erik Sanudo?
The owner of Tebo Estate Sales in Miami, Florida, Erik Sanudo, has recently made news after being charged with defrauding customers in a string of estate sales. A number of fraud and grand theft charges have been brought against Sanudo, whose company managed and sold real estate assets. The victims who made these claims say they did not receive their entire share of the proceeds from the estate sales.
Sanudo’s arrest has caused a lot of anxiety in Florida’s estate sales sector, with many wondering how someone could carry on with their business after being charged with a crime. The charges against Sanudo, the specifics of the scandal, and the effects on his clients and the community will all be covered in detail in this article.
The Details of the Estate Sales Fraud
Erik Sanudo was involved in multiple fraudulent estate sales across Florida, according to police. In the most notable case from September 2024, Sanudo promised a client 75% of the proceeds but only sent $5,500 of the $28,203 earned before cutting off all contact.
Victims reported similar experiences in which Sanudo would:
- Take large sums of money from estate sales.
- Pay only a fraction of the promised amount.
- Cease communication once the victims pursued legal action.
Erik Sanudo also had an active grand theft warrant from a prior Sarasota County case, according to the Largo Police Department. While Sanudo allegedly used the money for personal expenses, victims in both cases suffered significant financial losses.
Legal Actions and Arrest of Erik Sanudo
Sanudo’s unethical actions did not go unnoticed. Victims posted critical reviews on Yelp and other websites, warning potential customers as his reputation in the estate sales industry crumbled. The harshest reviews came from those who lost thousands of dollars and received only partial compensation.
Sanudo was arrested on November 19, 2024, following an investigation by the Largo Police Department following formal complaints from multiple victims. There was still $15,652 owed to his client, and he was charged with grand theft and scheme to defraud.
Sanudo’s arrest affidavit reveals he admitted to using estate sale proceeds for personal expenses, such as bills and rent, but claimed he was broke. Investigators later found that despite filing for bankruptcy and claiming his company had closed, Sanudo had founded a new business, Florida Certified Estate Sales LLC, shortly after.
Yelp Reviews and Public Backlash
The unfavorable reviews left by irate customers on review sites like Yelp played a significant role in Erik Sanudo’s demise. According to these reviews, Sanudo mishandled estate sales, failed to pay clients, and misled clients.
One review on Yelp stated:
“I hired Tebo Estates for an estate sale after my father’s passing. Sanudo promised us 75% of the sale, but we only received a fraction. He ghosted us after weeks of excuses. Do NOT trust this man with your money or valuables.”
Such reviews prompted others to come forward with their stories, many of which followed a similar pattern of partial payments and unfulfilled promises.

Ongoing Investigations and Potential Victims
The Largo Police Department has urged anyone who believes they were defrauded by Erik Sanudo to come forward. As more victims share their stories, there is concern that this case may involve dozens of individuals across Florida.
Sanudo’s activities spanned several counties, and law enforcement is working to determine the full extent of his fraudulent dealings. The investigation is ongoing, and Sanudo remains in custody as more charges are likely to be filed.
If you have information or believe you were a victim of Sanudo’s estate sales scam, the Largo Police Department encourages you to contact Sergeant Carvella at 727-596-7464.
What Can We Learn?
The Erik Sanudo case serves as a reminder to people to thoroughly investigate estate sales firms before entrusting them with important property. Despite being a generally reliable industry, the estate sales sector can draw people who take advantage of weaknesses for their own benefit.
For anyone involved in estate sales, it is critical to:
- Research companies on platforms like Yelp.
- Ensure that contracts clearly outline payment terms.
- Monitor the sales process closely to avoid being taken advantage of.
Clients hope that justice will be served and that others will be protected from similar fraudulent schemes as the legal process against Sanudo continues.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article was current when it was published. Any new developments or updates will be added as more details emerge.