While most people have been taught that hard work and perseverance is the key to achieving the American Dream, others cut corners and use illegal means to achieve the goal. Within Georgia, thieves are stealing real estate owned properties from lenders and rental scams have been spreading throughout Florida like wild fire. Here is the 4-1-1 regarding illicit activity in the nation's real estate market.
Georgia Thieves Steal $22 Million in Real Estate
A crime ring headed up by "Sovereign Citizens", has been unearthed in Georgia as stolen properties, including town houses, McMansions and even an entire shopping center, have been discovered in 18 counties in the state. Local Channel 2 Action News Investigative Reporter Jodie Fleischer recently discovered the criminal activity, which involves devious folks creating fraudulent deeds to get locks changed on foreclosed (and abandoned) homes, utilities turned on and then illegal squatting on the property and claiming rightful ownership.
One misguided culprit of the unlawful activity has claimed that those participating in the crime are not beholden to the local laws as they are "sovereign citizens" and the land they take is free because banks cannot legally own it. According to local authorities the crime participants are vehemently anti-government extremists who not only refuse to answer to state or local authority, but also do not pay taxes or opt to register their vehicles. While the claims of the eccentric transgressor may sound good, the fact is there is absolutely no truth to their version of the story and they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Renter Scams Gaining Speed
Those practicing lascivious and predatory behavior are also plaguing rental homes and properties. Renting has grown increasingly popular after the recent instability in the home buying market, and criminals are praying on the popularity of that trend. Rental scams involving criminals manipulating real multiple listing service ads, using the information to offer rental bargains galore and then pressure interested renters in forking over money upfront in order to "secure" the property. Scams of this nature have previously been recorded in Florida and according to Crain's, the trend is now occurring in New York City.
How To Prevent Scams
As the real estate market has yet to fully rebound and the economy is still faltering, consumers have to be especially cautious in order to avoid becoming the next scam victim. While each type of scam is unique in nature, some common sense behaviors can help prevent victims from being separated from their money and ensure that houses in foreclosure are not being inappropriately claimed. Some tips include:
- Be a Good Neighbor: Unfortunately,nearly every American neighborhood is filled with houses on the verge of default or already seized property. That means that those remaining in the community have the additional responsibility of ensuring that any activity is on the up and up. If the abandoned house next door suddenly has new tenants that have appeared out of no where, moved into the home under the cloak of darkness, or try to avoid any direct conversation with you, the new neighbors may be up to no good.
- Research: All homes that have been legally bought and sold have public records and the real estate listing site Zillow publishes that information for free. Concerned neighbors can simply do a search on that website to find out if a house was bought or sold or even if the property became bank owned. For renters, if a rental property sounds to good to be true, chances are it is and conducting a search regarding the property may reveal some interesting tidbits.
- Trust Your Gut: The perps associated with the fraudulently claiming bank owned properties as their own kindly offered their properties to low-income single parents in need. The reality is, you cannot get something for nothing and if you choose to accept it, you may end up breaking the law. Trust your gut, and don't believe the hype.
- Safety First: When it comes to avoiding scams, safety should always be a top priority and people should contact local authorities and not try to confront the potential criminal face to face.
Despite the criminal activity, there are still plenty of housing bargains being offered by landlords and property sellers across the nation. For those opting to buy the roofs over their heads, Mortgage Marvel will provide accurate mortgage rate information in real time and without needing any personal information.
