Across Lee County and throughout Florida, fraudulent individuals are posing as property owners in attempts to steal land and homes. These scammers create fake email accounts, forge identification documents, and impersonate legitimate owners — and it is happening with alarming frequency.
Due to the high volume of real estate transactions, the high volume of unoccupied properties, and the state’s minimal recording requirements, Florida ranks as a hotspot for property theft.
Real estate professionals are often the first line of defense. By taking simple but critical precautions when responding to lead calls or email inquiries, we can help prevent fraudulent transactions before they gain momentum. Title companies also play an essential role and should require verified proof of identity before moving forward with escrow or closing preparations…