Real estate companies regularly receive
information on real estate scams from customers who were affected by the
scandals or know other people who were victims to the scam. The best tool for shielding yourself against these schemes is to be aware of the fact that they exist and one should put in much caution.
The following things have been brought to the attention of higher officials in real estate:
Scam #1:
There is a purchaser from another country and he
calls you to assist him buy one or more posh homes in the area. The
person says he is affluent, and he is from an affluent family. Also, he
projects an image that money is not a major issue. The person conveys
his plan to relocate to the vicinity because he is a surgeon at a
hospital in the area. The purchaser in fact makes a visit to
the area, arranges for a meeting with you, and claims that he is
residing in a nearby luxury hotel. At some juncture, the purchaser heads
for the home and the buyer’s relative is desperate requiring your
financial help just until the buyer could be reached.
What one can do?
Be cautious that many scams include some person who
appears to be desperate to purchase the property. Although you would
desire to rescue the person, rely on your instincts and use some common
sense. If you are emotionally thinking about the situation, one has to
put forth the question, what would the broker do? Then go to the broker
or a reliable associate for suggestion. They should put the situation
into the proper perspective. If one suspects that buyer and his family
are scammers, endeavor to document as much information as possible and
report the scenario to higher authorities.
Scam #2:
There are property listings that are fraudulently
posted on websites. During such an instance, customers were encouraged
to send money to an account in exchange for real contract or keys.
What one can do?
You have to visit the Craigslist.com website time and
again to assure that the listings are not being advertised against law
by unauthorized individuals.
Assist in educating the customers on the Do’s and Don’ts if transaction over the net.
- You have to set up a Google Alert on the addresses of the listings to watch out for the internet postings related to the properties.
- If you find any fraudulent postings, post a complaint.
- Coordinating with ongoing efforts by the FBI, report the fraudulent postings to the necessary websites and ask them to remove it immediately.
- In case you find fraudulent postings on Craigslist.com, forward the property link from that site to Real comp. They will ensure that the listings are removed.
Scam #3:
A wealthy purchaser, from abroad, approaches you
regarding acquiring a luxury home. The purchaser may even meet with you
or a local buyer’s agent before going home. The buyer implies that he
will make cash payment and they request quick closing of the deal. The
purchaser may furnish copies of foreign bank statements that reveal
sufficient funds for the purchase of the property. However, a proper
wire transfer never occurs. But, as a matter of fact, the buyer requests
to retain the keys before the closing of the deal.
What one can do?
Take the necessary steps to assure that the person is
legal, follow the normal methods established by the broker, do not make
exceptions to the process.
Scam #4:
The scammers make an arrangement to observe the
listed properties. During the showings, they will test opening and
closing windows and doors, and in fact leaving one among the entries
unlocked. Then, they return to the property to rob you off the
appliances.
What one can do?
Make sure that all the windows and doors are locked
before you leave a showing even if it looks like a buyer has already
done that. Also, have in mind that MLS subscribers should never reveal
lockbox codes to any other person than MLS subscribers.
Zack Childress, real estate investor and multifaceted real estate kingpin
has staged a number of seminars regarding the existing real estate
scenario. One could listen to his seminars to be aware of the real
estate scams.