Hillsborough County is grappling with a concerning rise in property fraud, with a recent case highlighting the alarming ease with which scammers can attempt to steal homes. A married couple has been arrested, accused of forging deeds and attempting to sell properties that did not belong to them, underscoring the vulnerability of the real estate market to sophisticated scams.
Key Takeaways
- A married couple, Michelle Cherry and Victor Rodriguez, were arrested for allegedly forging quitclaim deeds to steal properties.
- The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court’s free property fraud alert system played a crucial role in notifying a victim, leading to the couple’s apprehension.
- The scam involves forging signatures on quitclaim deeds, a process that can cost as little as 70 cents in processing fees.
- Experts warn that the booming Tampa Bay real estate market makes it particularly ripe for such fraudulent activities.
The "Title Pirates" of Hillsborough County
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Michelle Cherry and Victor Rodriguez were arrested for allegedly filing fraudulent quitclaim deeds on properties in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, Cindy Stuart, emphasized the effectiveness of the county’s free property fraud alert system, which successfully notified one of the victims, Larry Bilby, of suspicious activity on his property. This alert system, mandated by new state laws, notifies residents when documents are filed against their homes, providing a critical layer of defense against deed fraud.
A Shockingly Simple Scam
The scheme, as described by authorities, is disturbingly simple. Scammers can forge signatures on quitclaim deeds, a legal document used to transfer property ownership, and file them with the county. This process, which requires a notary and two signatures, can be executed for minimal cost. In one instance, the couple allegedly filed a quitclaim deed on the Bilby’s property, which was under renovation. The Bilbys noticed missing mail and mail addressed to Cherry, leading to the discovery of her registering her driver’s license and voter registration at their address. Cherry was found with a forged deed in her car at the time of her arrest and faces significant prison time, with charges including seven counts of a first-degree felony.
A Growing Problem in Tampa Bay
Experts have noted that the Tampa Bay real estate market, characterized by high demand and limited inventory, is particularly attractive to scammers. These "title pirates" often target vacant properties or those owned by individuals who may be deceased or suffering from health issues. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center data indicates a persistent problem with real estate scams in the region, with Hillsborough County accounting for a significant portion of reported losses. The ease with which fraudulent listings can be created online, using scraped images from legitimate sources, further exacerbates the issue, preying on desperate renters and homebuyers.
Protecting Yourself
To combat this rising tide of property fraud, officials strongly encourage residents to sign up for their county’s free property fraud alert system. This proactive measure allows property owners to be notified of any filings against their property, enabling swift action if suspicious activity is detected. Verifying the identity of real estate professionals and cross-referencing property ownership records with county property appraiser websites are also crucial steps in safeguarding against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
Sources
- Hillsborough County property fraud alert system helped catch married couple accused of stealing home, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Florida couple allegedly swiped homes using shockingly easy scam that costs less than $1, New York Post.
- Experts say Tampa Bay’s real-estate market is ripe for scammers, WUSF.
- 2 arrested in Bay Area property deed fraud scheme, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.