Helping Victims Of A Housing Scam

Yesterday, I experienced by far one of the worst situations ever in my career as a Charlotte realtor.

While representing my client, who is under contract to buy a property and was expected to close on a house early next month, I discovered a young couple and their five kids living in the property merely a few days after having conducting a complete home inspection.

My client called me in hysterics late that afternoon, crying hysterically. “What is going on with the house I am purchasing? I just drove by and I see a moving truck, basketball goal and people standing outside. It looks like someone is moving in!”

My response: “This is impossible! You’re under contract and this house was empty two days ago.” She assured me that something was going on with the house and she would not be signing closing papers until we got to the bottom of the situation. She was scheduled that day to meet with her bank lender.

I quickly called the sellers agent and told him that I was going to stop by to see what was going on.  Upon arriving, I proceeded to look around and discovered children’s bicycles in the backyard and a friendly dog on a chain. No one was home. As I began knocking on the door, the couple arrives. I proceeded to ask if they were living in the property and when did they moved in.

“We moved in Sunday and paid our deposit to the property manager in the total of $2000.00. We can go inside and show you the lease and money order receipts!,” We proceeded to enter the home and to my amazement the house was completely furnished with pictures and stencil painting on the wall with “Love, Live, Laugh” throughout the home.

This was clearly not a case of someone trying to “Squat” in the home. I reviewed the paperwork which appeared to be legit and Duke Energy had just turned the electric on that morning in their names. I proceeded to tell them who I represented and that this home was currently in the process of being sold.


Instantly, the couple broke into tears. “We have 5 kids and we just gave this man all of our money!”  


At a total loss for words, the situation was extremely unfortunate. We reported the incident to the police who informed us that these types of Craigslist scams were on the rise throughout the city. Innocent people are being duped into renting vacant properties and foreclosures that are not owned by the alleged representative of the property.

Under normal circumstances, the couple and their family would be forced to pack their belongings, and move out immediately. But I just couldn’t gather the words to tell a family they were homeless. I just needed a few days to help this couple out. I let my client (the buyer), and the true property owner’s realtor know that the situation would be handled. We just needed time.

I know you are thinking...how could someone fall for a scam like this? Actually, it is quite easy to believe the person you’re doing business with when you’ve seen multiple properties with them, had your credit ran, completed a lease, and were handed keys. These scammers are truly professionals at what they do, not to mention they removed the “For Sale” sign from the yard, took the lockbox off the front door and changed the locks within two days.  


My pledge to help. Will you join me?

The couple, their children and their dog will have to vacate the property in a few days, all because they were victims of a terrible crime.

I am working to help them find a new home and relocate them along with their belongings.