Beware of Scams from Bank Closures

Hi Bill, Isn't it awful?  With every new crisis, someone must add even more to the crisis.  Terrible!

Hi Ann, Excellent reminder! I probably receive 2-3 of those email scams a month from "my bank" that I don't even bank at.

Hi Justin, I had heard that it maybe getting worse with the state of the economy, as criminals would be coming up with all kinds of clever schemes to take people's money. 

Hey Miss Mary, Isn't that the best way for these crooks to make money...with NO work?  They must dream this stuff up in their sleep - it's awful!  Hope you are well.

Hi Paul, Those were my thoughts also, if they just took their efforts and put them into something honest and positive, they potentially could be making good money!

Hi Jon, So true, the scammers feed on the people that are already in distress... and they help themselves to more of the people's money. 

Hi Darrell, It seems that any scam coming down the pike always hurt the victim worse than they are already bruised.  It's just awful.

Hi Ann, I just wish I could get off of all these people's lists - so many scams coming in everyday by email.  If people weren't falling for them, these companies wouldn't be doing them, right?

Diana, There are a several items that you mentioned that raise suspicions.  When anyone asks you for cash upfront, run, don't walk the other way!  Often times companies are advertising homes for under $10,000. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. We are hearing of these bogus companies cropping up, offering properties for pennies. What credentials did this 'gentleman' give you?  How do you find him?  Is he claiming to be a realtor?  What company does he work for?  He is showing you houses that he doesn't have keys for, and you're looking at them from the outside?  There are many scams where people represent themselves as representing the owners. Often times they are gaining illegal entry into vacant homes or they aren't able to get into them at all. They are doing is trying to take your hard earned money out of your pocket and you will never see them again.  I suppose he wants cash also? Repairs done by the buyers?  That's another unusual request.  Although, many properties are being sold in AS IS condition today, it is not typical that they request that buyers do small repairs.  

I am not the authority on scams. However, I would HIGHLY advise you to contact the Better Business Bureau. Do not give this man any of your money AT ALL!  Contact a REALTOR in your area of Lehigh Acres and tell them what you have told me.  Ask them to check to see if these properties are being offered for sale.

I would steer clear of this situation, AS FAST AS YOU CAN. It sounds like this guy is trying to swindle your daughter out of her money!