Long Beach Island Real Estate Seller Scams
LBI Real Estate Listing Scams 
LBI Real Estate Listing Scams 
LBI Real Estate Listing Scams
Long Beach Island Real Estate
The LBI real estate market is usually predictable and stable. The majority of real estate transactions on Long Beach Island are “typical” and tend to move along without too many issues. Of course, all buyers and sellers in the LBI real estate market need to be aware of wire fraud and similar nefarious actions that can compromise one’s information and security. However, lately, an LBI real estate listing scam has been catching many people off guard. The targets of the scam are both local LBI real estate agents and potential buyers on Long Beach Island. I will go into detail below, but the short version of this scam involves someone listing a home for sale that they do not own! All buyers and sellers in the LBI real estate market should be aware of this listing scam so they do not fall victim to it.
By : Nathan Colmer | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
Click here to search all homes for sale in the Long Beach Island NJ real estate market
LBI Real Estate Listing Scams
At least for the moment, this LBI real estate listing scheme focuses on vacant land more than single-family homes or condos, but that could change at any time. Essentially, a criminal will call various real estate offices (and all too often individuals) posing as the owner of a property. They will then list the land or home for sale and entertain offers as any genuine seller would. The scam intends to enter into a sales contract and collect a deposit. Of course, the property cannot be sold as this person does not own it, but by the time this has been realized, there is a good chance the money and the criminal will be long gone! Usually, the scammer targets a property that has recently undergone some title change, for example, a recently deceased individual leaving the home to an heir. Unfortunately, this has happened with various degrees of success in the Long Beach Island real estate market, so it is something that all buyers and sellers need to pay attention to!
Long Beach Island Real Estate Seller Scams
The best way to protect yourself is by staying vigilant. If you are a buyer, never send a deposit to an unknown party. An attorney or a title company almost always holds real estate sale deposits on Long Beach Island. Any departure from this should be a red flag and warrant investigation and an explanation. Buyers should also hire a competent attorney and title company to ensure that the property is owned free of any title defects and that the seller has the authority to sell the property. As a seller, it does not hurt to Google your address occasionally or look it up on various real estate websites. Craigslist is also a hotbed of fraud for both sale and rental listings. Any home owner or seller should cross-check to make sure that their home is not listed as a scam in the LBI real estate market. For more information about Long Beach Island or about the LBI real estate market please do not hesitate to contact me.
By : Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
Click here to search all homes for sale in the Long Beach Island NJ real estate market
More LBI Real Estate Information:
Flood Zones and Buying Long Beach Island Real Estate