🚨 Scam Alert – Vacant Real Estate Fraud 🚨
Today, the Fleming County Sheriff’s Office responded to a scam complaint involving what is known as “vacant real estate fraud.”
A local realtor with Story Realty was contacted by an individual claiming to be the owner of property in a neighboring county. The individual stated they were out of the area and wanted to sell the property remotely. The realtor began the process appropriately, gathering identification and initiating the necessary paperwork.
During this process, discrepancies were identified in the documentation and signatures. Due to this attention to detail, further action was taken.
Our office contacted the property owner’s local police department in Cincinnati and was able to make direct contact with the actual owner. The owner confirmed that he had no knowledge of the transaction and had no intention of selling the property.
This was a clear case of attempted fraud that was successfully stopped thanks to the diligence and professionalism of Meredith Story, Principal Broker of Story Realty. We commend him for recognizing the red flags and identifying this as vacant real estate fraud.
⚠️ Public Reminder: Scam Awareness
Scams like this are becoming more common, particularly involving vacant or unoccupied properties. Please keep the following in mind:
Be cautious of individuals claiming to be out-of-town property owners.
Verify ownership through official records and direct contact when possible.
Watch for inconsistencies in documents, signatures, or communication.
Be wary of anyone pushing for quick, remote transactions.
When in doubt, slow down the process and verify before proceeding.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
The Fleming County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our community through awareness and proactive response.
