Frauds and Scams!

I think someone who got me off of Zillow tried to pull a fast one. When I ran it by a friend he said it sounded like a scam.

I let it go, but here's what happened:

An enlisted "soldier" (after cancelling an escrow) said he couldn't get his deposit back from a builder for at least 6 months, "Could I help?"

Since I'm excrutiatingly sympathetic to our troops, I said I would make some phone calls.

After talking to my friend it seemed that the next step would be for me to give a cashiers check to this soldier, and he would turn the deposit check over to me when he got it.

To add sympathy, the "soldier" said he was to be deployed before the deposit check would come in. (He also had a 2 year old baby)

Needless to say, It never came together.

I'm sorry to hear this.  Unfortunately there are some very disgraceful people in this world. 

When dealing with a real estate agent or mortgage broker always make sure to check their license number with the California Department of Real ("CA DRE") Estate website.  You only need their first name or last name.  It's very easy to verify if someone is licensed. 

The same goes for mortgage brokers.  I've run across several unlicensed individuals who were posing as real estate agents.  They even has specific cease and desist letters on the CA DRE's website.  The agent in question was trying to assist his "clients" in purchasing a $3-million home!  Can you believe the horror these poor people could have faced. 

In his scheme he's attempted to align himself with a local real estate agent who is very elderly and is riddled with health problems and loss of memory problems, though due to his health issues he's required to practice real estate go keep afloat.  I don't think he's even aware of what's taking place. 

I'm dealing with the CA DRE on this issue now, but it's a delicate one, as in doing so I will be taking away from this poor elderly gentleman's income.  But, the rules are in place for a reason. 

There are many people who attempt to exploit, especially when it comes to the troops.  I too am very sympathetic to any cause dedicated to assisting troops and I come from a family where many members have served.  I even give 30% and sometimes 50% of my net commission to any client I represent who was a veteran in any branch of the United States Armed Services, any branch of law enforcement, or is currently in the Reserves or is serving in an Active Duty format.  It's a atrocious to read about these situations. 

But, crooks can be clever, sometimes they can be more clever than we give them credit for.  It's important to always check people out, if you're not intimately familiar with them, and in the real estate case above, I was intimately familiar with the gentleman in question! It was quite a shock to see that not only was he unlicensed, but that he has been brought before the CA DRE real estate disciplinary board several years ago and it apparently didn't faze him, as he's still at it. 


This is the world we live in, and as much as it pains me to say this, one must really be careful of those they associate themselves with, whenever there is an exchange of money.  Even if you think you know the person, it's still important to take a moment and perform a quick google search.  It's unfortunately necessary in this day in age. 


Though, on the positive side, for ever 1 bad person out there, I can safely say there are 100 people doing good. So, we're all very lucky to live in a free society, filled with opportunities. Perhaps, that is why the "troop fraud" was so disturbing for me to read. 


Best, 

Eric Abrams

Thanks for the helpful suggestions, Eric.

Kristin