WHO IS AT RISK FOR REAL ESTATE FRAUD?
Coupled with the effects of identity theft, any individual can be a potential target for real estate fraud. However, law enforcement statistics have shown that the elderly and the more economically challenged are much more susceptible to fraud. Below are some common warning signs of real estate fraud: • You receive official property documents indicating a transfer of property and you have no previous knowledge of the transaction; • You are missing a property tax bill: A missing tax bill can be the first sign of home equity fraud; and • You receive mortgage documents or payment books for loans you never applied for: This is also another common sign of equity fraud coupled with identity fraud. HOW TO PROTECT YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY FROM FRAUD Monitor your credit every four to six months to look for any fraudulent or unexplained activity. There are three major credit reporting agencies in this country: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Better yet, you can obtain one free credit repo
