Blair Bawden had told family he and fiancee Toni Trethewey, and her 4-year-old daughter, were unfairly dismissed from their rented homes - on Garton Rd in Massey, and Laura Jane Drive in Silverdale - and he was taking the landlords to court.
It is understood he said he had won a large payout.
That's when he started viewing luxury properties in Whangaparaoa, even winning the auction for one and making an offer on another - before disappearing when it came time to pay.