Douglas County, NV – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an ongoing scam in the area. An unknown subject has sold, or attempted to sell, rural lots without the permission of the actual owner. The subject has contacted real estate companies claiming to be the owner of a rural, undeveloped lot. The subject then asks the real estate company to list the property for sale.
Some indicators of potentially fraudulent activity appear to be:
- “Seller” only communicates via email.
- “Seller’s” address has “changed” recently, possibly to a foreign country.
- “Seller’s” financial account is based in a foreign country.
- “Seller’s” notary is in a foreign country or is not legitimate.
- “Seller” does not have a good knowledge of the property or the surrounding area.
- “Seller” attempts to explain lack of knowledge of the property by claiming short-term ownership.
- “Seller” has a suspicious demeanor.
- “Seller” wants to move fast and/or sell the lot for under market value.
Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam is asked to file a report. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 775-782-5126.