The Mellor Law Firm, APLC

California Real Estate, Construction, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Business Litigation Lawyers

    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Call: (951) 221-4744

  • Our Firm
  • Attorney Profile
  • Practice Areas
    • Real Estate Law
    • Construction Law
    • Foreclosures
    • Business Law
    • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
    • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
    • Contract Disputes
    • Insurance
    • Loan Modifications
    • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Case Handling
  • Clients
  • Blog
  • Contact

Common Types of Real Estate Fraud

March 24, 2021 by admin

real estate fraud

Whether you decide to invest in a commercial or residential property, and whether the property is for personal use or you intend to be the landlord, you need to take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

Accurate property information is essential for avoiding real estate fraud. Here are the most common types of real estate fraud and how a real estate attorney in Riverside, CA, can help.

What is Real Estate Fraud?

Real estate fraud occurs when individuals or agencies provide false information for fraudulent real estate transactions (obtaining money). For example, a seller provides false information regarding the square feet and amenities of the home they are selling, resulting in a negative impact for the buyer.

What Are the Common Types of Real Estate Fraud?

Value Fraud

Value fraud occurs when a seller provides a buyer with false information about the real estate property’s actual value. This type of fraud can happen when sellers omit valuable information regarding their features and other property information.

Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud becomes an issue when material information or crucial data relating to property results in one or multiple fraudulent transactions because of misrepresented material information.

Title Fraud

Title fraud happens when the ownership of a property falsely changes or is occupied using fraudulent methods. For example, an individual may attempt to sell a property that does not belong to them. In this situation, an individual will pretend to be the rightful owner of the property.

Foreclosure Fraud

Foreclosure fraud occurs when a property is wrongly foreclosed on, resulting in the homeowner moving out and giving up their home.

Syndicator Fraud

Syndicator fraud can be tricky. A syndicator is an individual or entity that organizes investor groups to contribute money into massive funds.

While such a practice is not fraud, this situation becomes fraudulent when a syndicator collects investment money and money for suspicious fees under false pretenses without a legitimate investment opportunity.

How Can You Prevent Real Estate Fraud?

Real estate fraud can take multiple forms. There are many steps that you can take to help prevent you from becoming a victim of real estate fraud.

Avoid Rushing

Rushing to finalize real estate transactions can be a guaranteed route to real estate fraud, whether you’re selling or buying a property. Take the time to verify property information before jumping into a deal.

Conduct a Thorough Investigation

Do your homework. Make sure you research all real estate agents and brokers that are part of the buying or selling process. It’s a great idea to know who you’re working with.

Get an Appraisal

Getting an appraisal on the property you plan to buy or sell gives you a fair and reliable property value through marketing pricing.

Understand What You’re Buying

Viewing pictures of a property online does not do as much justice as viewing the property in person. Specific photos of a property can be omitted on purpose to make a property more appealing.

Walk around the property and look for damages and other instances that could cause a financial setback.

When Is the Best Time for Hiring a Real Estate Attorney in Riverside, CA?

Real estate fraud is a serious offense, and you can endure huge losses because of it. Like any other type of fraud, real estate fraud is unfortunate, and even the most careful buyers can become targets.

When something doesn’t seem right, contact a real estate attorney in Riverside, CA, for help. Real estate lawyers have the experience and the knowledge required to stop fraud before they can begin.

How Can Mellor Law Help?

The attorneys here at The Mellor Law Firm are your Riverside, CA real estate attorneys. We specialize in real estate law, foreclosures, construction law, chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy, business law, and many more.

Our dedicated attorneys have over 37 years of combined experience in a variety of areas within the legal sector.

Filed Under: Real Estate Education, Real Estate Law News Tagged With: business law, chapter 13, chapter 7, foreclosure attorney, real estate lawyer, riverside attorney, riverside personal attorney, riverside real estate attorney, security deposit, title fraud

Call Us: 951-222-2100

Consultations available in-office or over
the phone. Speak to one of our leading attorneys in California today.

Recent News

Don’t Let Wire Fraud Real Estate Scams at Closing Stress You Out: Here’s How You Can Avoid It

January 24, 2023 By Mark Mellor

For years you diligently save up to buy your first house. After months of searching through listings, you finally find your dream home and make an offer that gets accepted. Just days before closing, everything goes smoothly until you get an email from your "real estate agent" … Read More...

Do’s and Don’ts for Getting a Loan Modification and Is It the Right Option for You

January 18, 2023 By Mark Mellor

Are you struggling to pay your mortgage loan? If so, a loan modification may be an option for you. Loan modification can make your loan more affordable and help you avoid foreclosure. But before applying for a loan modification, it's important to understand what it is, and … Read More...

You’ve Been Involved in an Accident, What Now?: How to Find the Best Car Accident Attorney

January 3, 2023 By Mark Mellor

According to the Bureau of Transportation, around 13 car crashes occur every minute in the U.S. When an accident happens it's important to know what steps to take and how to protect your rights. The most important step you can take is to hire a qualified car accident attorney … Read More...

Follow Mellor Law Firm

    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Our Areas of Practice

  • Real Estate
  • Construction Law
  • Mechanic’s Lien – Stop Notice
  • Foreclosures
  • Business Law
  • Contract Disputes
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Insurance
  • Lien Stripping Bankruptcy
  • Loan Modifications
  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Property Ownership

Navigate

  • Home
  • Our Firm
  • Mark Mellor
  • Practice Areas
  • Case Handling
  • Clients
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy

Practice Areas

  • Real Estate
  • Construction Law
  • Mechanic’s Lien – Stop Notice
  • Foreclosures
  • Business Law
  • Contract Disputes
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Insurance
  • Lien Stripping Bankruptcy
  • Loan Modifications
  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Property Ownership

Recent Posts

  • Don’t Let Wire Fraud Real Estate Scams at Closing Stress You Out: Here’s How You Can Avoid It
  • Do’s and Don’ts for Getting a Loan Modification and Is It the Right Option for You
  • You’ve Been Involved in an Accident, What Now?: How to Find the Best Car Accident Attorney
  • Top Types of Real Estate Scams in 2022 and What We Can Learn From Them

Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Contact our offices

The Mellor Law Firm, APLC
6800 Indiana Avenue, Suite 220
Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 221-4744
Fax: (951) 222-2122
10.0Mark Albert Mellor

The Mellor Law Firm, APLC © 2023. All Rights Reserved.