A homeowner discovered that ‘property pirates’ sold her house for less than $1 using forged paperwork that included her signature.
In a startling incident, a homeowner recently discovered that her house had been sold without her knowledge for less than a dollar.
Caroline Sauer found out that her late father’s home was transferred to her ex-husband using forged documents that bore her signature.
This incident shows the vulnerabilities in property laws that can allow such scams to happen.
Homeowner baffled after discovering property pirates illegally sold her home for less than $1
Caroline’s ordeal began when she found out that the title to her father’s property had been changed.
She was shocked and confused, asking herself how someone could forge her signature, especially after her father had passed away.
“We found out that the titles of my father’s properties had all changed through quitclaim deeds,” said Sauer to local Fox outlet FOX13.
“We questioned, how did this happen? Who forges a deceased person’s signature? Who does that?”
The realization that her family home was no longer hers left her feeling betrayed and angry.
How did property pirates steal the home from Caroline?
The alleged fraud was carried out by Victor Rodriguez and his wife, Michelle Cherry.
They stand accused of using “quitclaim deeds,” a type of legal document that allows property ownership to be transferred without the owner’s consent.
These documents can be created for very little cost, making it easy for scammers to exploit the system.
Processing costs for quitclaim deeds can be as low as 70 cents, allowing scammers to easily steal homes for under a dollar.
Once the quitclaim deed is filed, it can appear legitimate even if the signatures are forged.
This loophole in the law makes it easier for criminals to steal properties from unsuspecting owners.
Most states do not have strong laws to combat this type of fraud, which is why it can occur with relative ease.
Rodriguez and Cherry are accused of trying to take another Tampa home.
In addition to Caroline’s case, Rodriguez and Cherry are also accused of attempting to illegally take ownership of another home in Tampa.
Larry and Dreama Bilby were stunned to find out that their property had been transferred away from them.
The property was under construction and unoccupied at the time.
“I was so angry, I almost couldn’t talk,” Dreama stated when she learned of the situation.
The fraudulent actions of Rodriguez and Cherry resulted in significant distress for both families involved.
Concerns rise over fraud ease as homeowner fights to reclaim property
Stuary noted that the process only requires a notary and two signatures, making it accessible for criminals.
She has urged her clerks to be vigilant and to look for signs of forgery, such as misspelled names or fake addresses.
As the investigation continues, Caroline is determined to reclaim her father’s home.
She and her family have hired a handwriting expert to prove that she did not sign the fraudulent deed.
“The hardest thing for us emotionally has been, we’ve just tried to protect my father and his legacy,” she said.
The property pirates pleaded not guilty to fraud charges
Rodriguez and Cherry, arrested in March, pleaded not guilty to fraud charges.
“Mr Rodriguez maintains his innocence, and our office is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting his rights.
“Because his case is under active litigation, he is protected by both work product privilege and attorney/client privilege.
“We are responsible for ensuring justice and fairness in legal proceedings, protecting Mr Rodriguez’s rights, and upholding the rule of law.
“We cannot provide any further comment that might adversely affect our representation of this client.”