D'Andrea Turner experienced an alarming case of title fraud when squatters took over her Phoenix home and sold it without her knowledge. After her ex-husband left the house unattended, two strangers forced entry using forged documents. They assumed the Turners' identities and sold the home for $200,000 to real estate investors. Although the fraud was discovered when the squatters attempted to cash checks in the Turners' names, it highlights an increasing trend of property crimes. Experts urge homeowners to be vigilant and safeguard their titles to prevent similar occurrences.
"It feels so surreal," Turner shared in an interview with ABC 15 Arizona. "I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Really, I didn't even think something like this could happen."
"Squatters stole my house," Turner said, still in disbelief. "They actually moved in, posed as me, and sold my house."
Turner's home is back in the right hands. But the story highlights a growing trend of criminals selling property without the homeowners knowing about it.
In a legitimate real estate transaction, the title transfer is carefully overseen by a real estate agent, title company, and notary to ensure everything is properly documented.
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