Special offer

Homeowners, Watch Out For Scams!

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com Designated Broker DB29503

It is unbelievably unfortunate that we always have to be mindful of new and different scams that are out there.  We've all heard about scams like the Prince of Nigeria who has a million dollar inheritance for us to come claim, or we've gotten an email from someone we know that says they are overseas and and "they" tell us that they are stuck over there and need money.  Yet, people do still fall for these scams, whether it is out of ignorance or kindness of heart.

The housing sector seems to be an industry wrought with scams.  A new one has come to our attention that doesn't even have to do with people who are in distress, it's with people who are paying their mortgage - just to the wrong place!!

Check out the article in Realtor Magazine and be careful out there!

Scott Silverstone
William Raveis Real Estate - New Haven, CT
www.CTProperty.com, Connecticut Luxury & Waterfront Realty

Scams tend to grow and multiply during economic downturns. In CT I have seen a number of "loan modification" scams over the past few years where an unlicensed company will take a fee to "negotiate" a new loan on a distressed home, and then dissappears without helping the borrower.

Jun 24, 2011 04:56 PM
Chandler Real Estate Liz Harris, MBA
Liz Harris Realty - Chandler, AZ
#ChandlerRealEstateAgent

It seems like it is always something!  Then the scams tend to get even more and more creative!

Jun 24, 2011 05:01 PM
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Yes, loan modification scams, short sale scams, foreclosure scams.....I will say, these scammers certainly are hard working folks!

Jun 24, 2011 07:18 PM
Dee Mayers
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA

Sometimes it is not discovered by the homeowner until 1or 2 payments later.  How sad!

Jun 26, 2011 01:34 PM
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I know!  And, not only are they scammed out of money, but they are two months late on payments and have that ding on their credit too.  Terrible!

Jun 26, 2011 04:05 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

It is sad that people make their living this way.  Ads on Craigslist is something else to be wary of.

Jun 29, 2011 06:24 PM
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Craigslist is amazing to me - it's such a useful and used tool, but at the same time it is so ridden with scams and spam and seems so simplistic as a consumer site.  Yet, everyone uses it.  You are absolutely right about the scams on it though....consumers beware.

Jul 05, 2011 07:27 PM
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

This is sad, I know of a couple who lost their funds this way.

Dec 25, 2012 03:36 PM