6 events in Passaic County with a date

Scammers targeting home sellers, buyers alike

By: Kim Komando
Special to USA Today

..... There's a reason business scams are so pervasive. Criminals are looking for the most bang(money) for their buck (effort). That's why it shouldn't surprise any of us that homeowners are a new target.
..... So much of the home-buying process is going digital, and that means moving around large sums of money,. Scammers have found their way in, targeting homeowners and those buying and selling.

Who's a target?

..... If you own a home, you're a target, Plain and simple.
..... One of real estate scammers' favorite tricks is to scare victims into thinking they owe money. the only way to keep their property? Pay up right now!
..... Lenders will secure loans with liens that give them a claim to your property if you don't make payments. But the good news is there's always a paper trail.
..... Scammers also target homeowners at risk of foreclosure. They'll reach out with promises to save they day if the victims can just fort over some cash. They may even call up homeowners and convince them to refinance their homes.

Buying a home?

..... Crooks are out for you too. They'll cerate fake real estate listings and trick you into paying a deposit. They may pose as an escrow company and ask you to wire money.
..... This just happened to a New Jersey couple who were duped out of $32,500 in the process of buying their dram home. Scammers faked an entire email thread with their laywer, the seller's lawyer and the real estate agent. The couple wired the down payment, their savings, to crooks.
..... If you're wondering how anyone could fall for this, it was incredibly easy. The scam email addresses were one letter off from the real ones.
..... The lesson here: Always, always triple-check email addresses to make sure they match the rest of your correspondence.

Sign up for free alerts

..... The best way to protect yourself from property fraud is to be proactive. Some counties offer free alerts via email, voicemail or text when a land document (like a deed) gets recorded with your name on it.
..... Unfortunately, there isn't a comprehensive centralize directory to find the service for any county, but you have a few options.
..... Your county may offer alerts through its own service. Search (your county name) and county records" or (your count name and county recorder of deeds" to find you county's official .gov site. Then type :property fraud alerts" in the site's search bar to avoid scam links.
..... If you still haven't heard anything, your best bet is to call the county recorders directly. The office's official site should list a contact number.

..... Learn about all the latest technology on "The Kim Komando Show." For Kim's daily tips, free newsletter and more, visit her website at Komando.com .

HOME