Cape Cod land nearly stolen in latest Massachusetts property scam uncovered by I-Team
WEST YARMOUTH - Weeks after reporting that fraudsters were targeting real estate in Massachusetts, WBZ-TV's I-Team has uncovered another attempted land grab by thieves.
The scam involves impersonating homeowners, selling their property and pocketing the cash. It almost happened again, this time to a couple who owns land on Cape Cod. The couple's son Philip told the I-Team their property in West Yarmouth was nearly stolen after fraudsters tried to sell it.
"It was totally a fluke," he told WBZ.
Philip only learned of the scam when a friend told him in August that the property with beach access was advertised for sale. Surprised and concerned, Philip called his parents. They said they were not selling the land, but later learned it was listed for sale by a Rhode Island real estate broker. The price was $400,000, much less than the estimated market value of $750,000.
Philip said fraudsters, posing as his parents, listed the home for a quick sale. The would-be thieves communicated by email with the lawyer handling the sale and the broker. The scammers sent copies of fraudulent Massachusetts driver's licenses using Philip's parents' real names and home address, but the photos were fake. Philip said he and his parents could not believe it. His folks are in their 80s and knew nothing about the real estate listing.
Land grab schemes
This is the third land grab scheme the I-Team uncovered. Last month, we told you about the Jarakis. The couple's Concord land was stolen by thieves who sold it and got away with nearly $500,000. By the time the Jarakis found out about the sale, the buyers were building a house on it. Halla Shami Jaraki said it has been a disaster, not only for them but for other people who could also be victimized.
In September, John Grimes told the I-Team he was living in his Plymouth home when a lawyer called to confirm he was selling his house. He was not. Grimes said it was unnerving and if he had not heard from that lawyer he probably would not have caught it until it was too late.
The property owners told the I-Team they reported the cyber fraud to the FBI. Philip's family also filed complaints with the state agencies overseeing the licensing of realtors and lawyers for failing to catch the fraud. Philip said no action was taken against them. Frustrated, he said his family could have lost their land and the thieves could have walked away with hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How to protect yourself
There is a way homeowners can protect themselves from thieves. After the I-Team started asking questions, the Massachusetts secretary of state's office contacted every registry of deeds in the state. All will now allow homeowners to put an alert on their property that will notify them when anything is recorded.
