Land mafia. This scheme targets undeveloped lands, such as vacant lots or disputed lands.
Scammers use fake land deeds and forge original certificates to submit to the National Land Agency. These land certificates are often used by the mafia to evict residents who have been living on the land for years.
In some cases, land mafia members even sue the original landowners in state administrative courts using fake documents and certificates.
House purchase fraud. This scheme targets careless home sellers. Scammers use fake identities or documents to make transactions appear legitimate.
Prospective buyers use counterfeit checks or other illegal payment methods. They delay payments or alter contracts to create uncertainty.
They make false offers or agreements with no intention of fulfilling payment obligations. They submit loan applications with false information or forged credit documents.
Fraud against real estate agents. This scheme targets unprofessional or unlicensed real estate agents. Scammers pose as property owners looking to sell or rent out their properties.
They ask agents to help find potential buyers or tenants. However, after the agent successfully finds a buyer or tenant, the scammers vanish without a trace and do not pay the agent’s commission.
Sham housing developments. This scheme targets homebuyers looking for cheap houses or attractive amenities.
Scammers pose as housing developers offering various promotions and discounts. They ask buyers to pay down payments or booking fees without providing official receipts.
However, after buyers make payments, the scammers disappear, and there are no signs of house construction. Or, if there is construction, the quality doesn’t match the promises or even lacks proper permits.