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A word of caution to my Realtor colleagues and to home sellers
October 16, 2011, by The BrownsThis is a SCAM ALERT to my Realtor colleagues and to Home Sellers:
I’d recently corresponded a few times with an apparent buyer from Japan, who requested assistance to find a home in Manchester NH. Yesterday he emailed me that he had selected one of the listings and that he and his wife would like to close on November 25th 2011. He requested that I recommend a local attorney to act as his escrow agent in the sale. He provided his legal name as Kominami Mosato and his wifes names is Esaki Mosato, and his address 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6.
He wrote: “Haven gone through all listings and property datas sent by you, its with graet pleaseure to inform you that we were able to agree to an ideal and financially reasonable property as indicated however I will like to offer the sum of $330,000 for this property at [removed it for the homeowner’s sake] Mls# [removed by me] because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy. Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format…”
When I Googled the Canada address, I learned this was a scam: http://blog.lorinczipal.com/2010/02/01/internet-scams-emotive-marketing/
With a bit further research I became aware that this is scam has been increasing nation-wide and has caused some damage to others! The fraudsters provide proof of funds, certified bank checks and IDs all bogus. In Sarasota they apparently require wired funds now from buyers out of the area.
Mike Payne, a Realtor in Sarasota FL reports:
Some real estate agents convinced property owners whose houses they were selling to move out in anticipation of a closing. Some escrow agents (incl. some attorneys) released earnest money (good faith) deposit before clearing funds first. Scammers now are branching out to target FSBOs for sale by owners who are less informed and fixated on selling. Sellers who represent their own homes often don’t see the scam coming. http://www.sarasotahomesforsalenow.com/sarasota-real-estate-scam/
Please be vigilant! This is a nation-wide scam that does not appear to be letting up.
Best regards to you,
Phyllis Brown
Steve and I work together as the Brown Home Selling Team. Our philosophy is that when you buy a home or sell a home, it’s not just about a house … it’s about your life. Please call if you’d like more information or to arrange a confidential consultation; or visit us at http://www.SteveBrownSellsHomes.com.
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