Thieves, Fraud and Real Estate Con Artists
Every once in a while I publish an attempt (even ridiculous and feeble attempts) at committing fraud in the real estate industry. Real estate fraud is ever evolving. This is the first time I ever had the fraudster suggest that I conveniently send the real estate contract via docusign, an electronic contract signature website.
Hello Chris Griffith
I am sorry about the delay. It has been hell at the hospital here.
I am fine with your decision.Do send me the contract via docusign or any electronic means. Also provide me with a name and address the check should be written and sent immediately.Regards
Hing Yee
Hing Lee’s email is clever: reachyee@gmail.com. Well, to begin with, it would have probably been smart of poor, dear ailing Hing to engage in some sort of conversation about local Bonita Springs real estate, maybe even invest a minutes worth of time to find a home or condo online and either reference the property by MLS number or by community name, such as, Montara at Bonita Bay.
Next, checks don’t fly anymore. The majority of real estate attorneys or title companies won’t accept a check anymore. Mostly due to, uh, real estate fraud. Wire transactions only.
There’s always someone out there trying to make a quick buck the crooked way, even in real estate. Now, they’re trying to do electronic signatures.
Remember, these fraudsters also try to scam landlords by sending checks and requesting fund be returned/cancel the deal so they can get the money back on their bad checks. They also sometimes pretend to be the prospective tenant by posing as the landlord and collecting deposits, first last and security and disappearing into the sunset.
Always be on your toes and don’t trust anyone and verify, verify, verify before any money leaves your pocket or bank account during a real estate transaction.