Handling Scammers, Squatters and Trespassers

It is important to know your legal rights to protect your property when people have no rights to your property.  In today's world you need to be aware of red flags such as fake documentation, false property listings and counterfeit deeds.  If your gut tells you a client is too easy to work with or their actions are out of the ordinary, such as demanding or needing immediate money from a sale.  This is the time you need to trust your gut and take appropriate action.  Scammers tend to seek out properties that have no mortgage, have an ID that does not match the state of the listing, and/or use a notary in a remote state or country.  When this is happening register, this is a red flag.  Ways to combat fake real estate schemes:

• Rely on tax records that are generated by the government to verify ownership of property.
• Use technology to help verify identity websites and apps.
• Set up Google alert to get early warnings if your address is added to syndicated real estate website.
• Realtor notifies a property owner if their address pops as For Sale with unclear representation. This will create a good relationship if the owner decides to sell in future.
• Always document everything during the sales process to verify client’s identity.

It is important to know the difference between a squatter and a trespasser.  A squatter is staying at the property without the permission of the owner, having continuous and uninterrupted access to the property for a certain length of time.  Time varies from state to state.       Squatter claims he has ownership rights while a trespasser does not claim to live on the property.  Sometimes a squatter will add or modify something tangible on the property.  A trespasser typically does not alter the property and has no legal rights.  A property owner needs to inspect his property frequently to prevent someone from taking possession.  If a property owner does not do this, he could lose title to the squatter and experience time-consuming and expensive legal fees.  When this happens take immediate action by notifying law enforcement of the issues, but do not force them to leave yourself.  To help prevent squatters from occupying property, run the sprinkler system, have motion lights, door locked, and security cameras installed on the property.