What happens when someone is trying to illegally sell Prescott property? Who do I Talk to?

To start with, call the police if you have proof and know where the perpetrator is located.

There are many scams going on in land and property sales all over the U.S. Craigslist is one of the most dangerous places to shop for real estate. Many people report rental scams (not just vacation home rentals) but long-term home rentals. The objective of the scammer is to collect the down payment (or 1st & last month’s rent) and then head for the hills.

Always handle your transactions through a legitimate title company, and always have Realtor representation. There’s a difference between agents and Realtors. Many people go through the classes and pass the exam, but they are not Realtors until they pass NAR exams and swear to the NAR code of ethics, along with hanging their license with a legitimate brokerage in good standing. Why say all this?

Licensed Realtors who engage in the profession full-time are likely to be a huge asset to your real estate endeavors. In like fashion, the same is true when buying anything online. People are worried about buying concert tickets, amusement park tickets, vehicle purchases, etc. There are numerous scams and everyone wants to save a buck. However, is it worth your time and money to get scammed? The answer is no. People blame the scammer (and they should) but really, who is to blame? How about when someone downloads pirated software and then complains that it doesn’t work correctly or is riddled with viruses? Again, who is to blame? In no way, shape, or form are we condoning the behavior of scammers or con-artists, but there’s a reason why they exist. People are always trying to “game the system“. We all want to save a few bucks on Disneyland tickets, but when you’re at the gate with your family and you can’t get in the park, you’ll realize the value of legitimate channels of purchase.

There are safeguards in place when purchasing any real estate. Work with a Realtor. They can not only save you money, but can help you avoid scams.

Posted in: Illegal Sales, Prescott