Scammers Selling Vacant Land Fraudulently

There have been more reports of scammers impersonating the owner of land in an effort to sell it fraudulently.  

It appears that vacant land that does not have a publicly recorded mortgage owed on it are the most at risk. This could also happen to vacant homes.

Great agents who do their due diligence sometimes even fall for these master scammers.  A recent incident included copies of drivers licenses, social security cards, etc. all matching the owners name. 

Homeowners can take an extra step to protect themselves by enrolling in the free Property Fraud Alert system that allows their name to be monitored within the Recorder's office. They will also receive an alert for anything that is recorded on that property.

See NAR's site for additional information on this and check out the Scam Tips Sheet.  Be diligent and safe!