I just had to call my Seller to let them know that the all-cash offer we recieved from an out of the country Buyer was a SCAM.

Imagine getting an email from a reputable agent in your area with the contract DOCS on a luxury home listing for an all cash deal, contingent only upon inspection, closing in 3 weeks, with a proof of funds attached. While not full-priced, it was close to and easy to sign.

Surely my outstanding online marketing and virtual tour, with interactive floor plan, had snagged in international buyer for my beloved sellers. I turned in my contract, and waited for the inspection to be scheduled.

Then my ACE transaction coordinator said she would hold the contract until the $20,000 to-be-wired in 5 days deposit cleared. This stone started the growing sense that this was TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, and an avalanche of information.

Last night, I googled the buyer's names, Mr Shinjyo Naoki and Mrs. Chiasa Naoki, and found this name was attached to a scam in Florida. The Proof of Funds letter the same.

Fortunately we were able identify the scam before they had moved furniture, made a offer to purchase a home, etc,

I hope this prevents it from happening again. And that calling financial institutions to verify basic facts is accepted as standard professional practice.