Scams have become a reality in our day and time. Unfortunately, there are people in the world that prey on others’ trust, sincerity, and obligation to “do what’s right.”
The most recent scam to surface in the real estate community was brought to our attention by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett. In his March 13, 2013 press release, Secretary Hargett warned home buyers and sellers about a scam involving real estate titles.
According to the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division letters have been sent to at least eight real estate companies, suggesting that there are claims against titles of 28 residential properties.
These letters, postmarked from Portland, Ore., say the claims were submitted on behalf of an organization called “the French Trust.” They threaten legal action against anyone attempting to sell any of the listed properties.
Secretary Hargett stated, “It is not immediately clear what the motivations might be for sending out these letters, but we do know that the facts and representations made in them are not true..We want to get the message out to people who receive the letters because we don’t want the letters to unnecessarily complicate real estate transactions in our state.”
Secretary Hargett further encouraged anyone with knowledge of such letters or concerns relative to the same to contact the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division for assistance at (615) 741-2286 or via e-mail at Business.Services@tn.gov.
To avoid being victim to real estate scams it is important to employ the services of a trusted local attorney and/or title company to assist in matters involving real estate.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Kelley Hinsley as well as the professional staff at Heartland Title Services, Inc. are experienced in Tennessee real estate matters and seeking their advice and/or assistance with your Tennessee real estate matter can prevent you from becoming victim to a scam.
