The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office is warning of an intricate real estate scam that has been reported in the county.
Local real estate brokers have been contacted by alleged property owners requesting that their properties be listed for sale. The brokers are then provided with what they believe to be proof of ownership and documents that are electronically signed. The brokers and the “owners” then enter into an agreement to have the property listed. Sheriff Tim Thompson said thankfully, concerned neighbors have reached out to the actual property owners before a sale has been finalized.
The Sheriff said a pattern has developed in which the properties are owned by out-of-state residents who seem to be targeted due to the land or property being a secondary residence.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office are working closely with law enforcement partners in an attempt to identify suspects.
If you have been the victim of this scam, please reach out to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 315-220-3240.
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