North Carolina Couple Nearly Loses 20 Acres to Real Estate Scam

A retired couple from Pittsboro, North Carolina, was stunned to discover that 20 acres of their family’s land was nearly sold without their knowledge. The property, located along Olive Chapel Road in Apex, has been in Bob Kelly’s family for generations, dating back to the 1800s.

A Shocking Discovery

Bob Kelly, who now resides in a retirement community with his wife, received a call from a neighbor asking if he was selling the land. His immediate response was clear: “You know I wouldn’t sell my property.”

However, a shocking sight awaited him—there was a for-sale sign posted on his land. Confused and alarmed, Kelly contacted the real estate agent listed on the sign. The agent confirmed the property was listed for sale and even told Kelly it had received five offers within 24 hours. Kelly immediately demanded the sign be removed and sought answers on how the listing was made without his consent.

How Did This Happen?

The real estate agent explained that a couple from Tennessee had asked him to list the property but failed to provide valid identification. Despite this, the listing went live. When the agent later requested an in-person meeting, the alleged sellers claimed they were in the hospital and unable to meet. They eventually provided a falsified passport.

Upon realizing the fraudulent nature of the listing, the agent removed it. However, by then, multiple offers had already been made. Kelly and another real estate agent, whose client submitted an offer, filed complaints with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Investigation and Warning to Property Owners

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission investigated the complaint but ultimately did not take disciplinary action against the agent. However, they issued a letter advising him to be more cautious in the future when dealing with property sales without in-person verification.

Kelly is now warning other property owners to remain vigilant. “One thing we’re really doing now is at least once a month we’re checking county tax records to see if there’s any activity against our property,” he advised.

Authorities are urging owners of vacant land to monitor their property records regularly. The FBI has reported a staggering 500% increase in vacant land fraud over the past four years, making it more critical than ever for property owners to stay informed and protect their assets from scammers.

How to Protect Your Property from Fraud

Real estate fraud is becoming more common, especially for properties that are vacant or owned by individuals who do not live on-site. Here are some steps property owners can take to safeguard their land from fraudulent activity:

• Regularly Monitor Property Records – Check your local county’s property records at least once a month to ensure there have been no unauthorized changes to your property’s ownership.
• Set Up Property Alerts – Many county property assessor websites offer email or text alerts that notify owners of any filings related to their property. Signing up for these services can help catch fraud early.
• Use a Title Lock Service – Title lock services monitor and protect your property’s deed, alerting you to any suspicious activity.
• Require In-Person Verifications – If you plan to sell your property, make sure the real estate agent verifies your identity in person and requires proper documentation.
• Secure Your Personal Information – Be cautious about sharing personal details online or over the phone, as scammers often use publicly available information to impersonate property owners.
• Report Suspicious Activity Immediately – If you suspect fraud, contact your local real estate commission, county records office, and law enforcement. The sooner fraudulent activity is reported, the higher the chances of stopping it.

By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, property owners can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to real estate fraud. Kelly’s experience serves as a strong reminder that no property is completely safe from scammers, but proactive steps can help keep ownership secure.