How to Spot a Property Scam Before It’s Too Late

By Kandie Frederick

Growing up on the central coast, Kandie is a third generation family in the North County and a second generation family in real estate. Joining Country Real Estate in 2000, and graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, she brings a background of Agricultural Business to combine with her knowledge of the local real estate market. Working with her family and their decades of local real estate development, she is deeply connected to the roots of our community and its growth.
“This area continues to grow as people discover what a great travel destination it is, and what a great wine region it has become. Eventually, they realize what a great place it is to live and work as well. Adapting to the needs of our clients in a changing environment is always a priority. We remain the longest standing brokerage in a community we are deeply invested in. Our longevity is attributed to our innate ability to understand the North County: its people, its properties, and its culture.” -Kandie

In my recent video, I highlighted how property scams, particularly title and seller fraud, have become a growing issue. Scammers pose as property owners to fraudulently list and sell properties they don’t own. It’s an alarming situation that buyers and sellers must be aware of.

I’m proud to share that our agent, Lillian Ryan, has worked closely with the DA’s office to help uncover and prevent these crimes. Our office has been collaborating behind the scenes to stay informed and involved in protecting property owners like you.

In case you didn’t know, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office has now released a Public Service Announcement addressing this issue. This PSA provides crucial information on:

• How title theft occurs: Criminals create fraudulent documents, file them, and then attempt to sell or borrow against your property without your knowledge.
• The warning signs: Realtors, title companies, and the DA’s office can help detect the scam early.
• What you can do to protect yourself: The PSA outlines essential precautions, from monitoring your title to being vigilant about any unusual activity.

You can watch the whole PSA here. It’s a must-watch if you want to ensure your property is safe from fraudulent activity.

For more information on how to protect your property or if you have any other real estate questions, feel free to call or email me. I’m here to assist you in staying vigilant and ensuring your investments are protected.