Defending the Deed: Detecting and Preventing Vacant Land Scams

This podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the California Department of Real Estate's (DRE) guidance on identifying and preventing real estate fraud involving bad actors posing as owners of vacant land. It outlines the specific tactics criminals use, such as targeting unencumbered properties owned by elderly or absentee landlords, listing properties below market value, and refusing in-person or video meetings. Additionally, the notebook details essential due diligence steps for licensees, including specific methods for verifying seller identity through government IDs, tax bills, and third-party verification services, as well as protocols for reporting fraudulent activity to law enforcement