In a concerning trend, real estate scams targeting vacant land are on the rise. Fred Benenson details how scammers tried to sell his property at 221 Cannon Road in Wilton, CT, not once, but three times. The impersonators used fake IDs and online communication to avoid in-person meetings. This highlights the vulnerabilities in remote real estate transactions.

The scammers exploited the lack of occupancy and oversight common with vacant land. They researched property details, contacted agents, and pushed for quick closings. The first attempt involved an attorney's due diligence, which exposed the fraud. The second and third attempts were thwarted by vigilant real estate agents who noticed discrepancies during verification steps.

The author contacted the FBI, but the experience was underwhelming. The FBI's response was slow, and the case remains unresolved. To prevent future incidents, the attorney is checking with the title company about recording an affidavit on the land records. This would alert potential buyers about the property's fraudulent targeting.

This story serves as a cautionary tale. Real estate professionals and landowners should be aware of these scam tactics. Implementing stricter verification processes, especially for remote transactions involving vacant land, is essential. The next step is ongoing investigation and industry-wide awareness to combat this growing threat.