Property scams on the rise

NORWALK — Don't get scammed out of your home. Tkach That's the advice coming from the Ohio Department of Commerce, which is warning that cams are on the rise and consumers may unintentionally enter into an arrangement that could lead to a situation having negative financial consequences. Ohioans need to be wary of unsolicited offers to purchase their real estate. A major reason for the spike is the extremely low inventory of properties for sale. Daphne Hawk, who works for the real estate division of the commerce department, cautions consumers who receive offers to "exercise caution and conduct plenty of research before making a decision." Some of these scams may include a disclosure form developed by the state. Although the form is authentic, it may give the appearance that the offer-maker is registered with the state. If you receive this form, be aware it does not affirm the validity of the offer or add additional weight to the transaction. Protect yourself Huron County Recorder Jan Tkach has tips for county residents to protect themselves from scammers. "We have a program available that is free to use, on the Recorder's website, where citizens can sign up and register their names and they will receive a text message if anyone attempts to record a document or a deed using that name," she said. Tkach said the recorder's office takes precautions. "If we get a deed being registered by an individual we will check with the secretary of state's office to verify the notary is active and still licensed," she said. A final precaution residents can take to help steer clear of scams is to know their own credit. "Check your credit report often and freeze your credit if you are not making a purchase or applying for credit." Don't be afraid to ask questions. "If you receive an unsolicited offer, whether via mail, call, text or an in-person visit at your door, always take time to ask questions," Hawk said. "While many homeowners believe the person contacting them to be a real estate agent, in many cases, they are not. Asking questions like 'are you an Ohio real estate agent?' will let you know if you are communicating with someone locally or an out-of-state investor. Make sure to review offers carefully with legal counsel before signing any documents or providing information to anyone, especially if it's someone you do not know. As tempting as an offer may be, acting quickly and without the advice of a local real estate expert could have a range of significant consequences. For example, you may think the offer is too good to pass up, when in fact it's well below the market value of your property." Consumers can verify the status of a real estate license on the division's website at com.ohio.gov/licensing-and-registration. "As always, if you suspect you have been the victim of a real estate scam, you should contact your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible," Hawk said.