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*Land Thieves on the Loose: FBI Warns Homeowners and Real Estate Agents**
As the sun rises over Massachusetts, a sinister threat lurks in the shadows. The Boston office of the FBI has sounded the alarm about a growing scourge of stolen land scams, targeting unsuspecting homeowners and real estate agents.
For Halla Shami Jakari and her husband Omar, their dream home turned into a nightmare when thieves stole their vacant land in Concord. "They stole our dream," Omar said, still reeling from the shock.
But they're not alone. John Grimes of Plymouth narrowly escaped becoming a victim after an engineering firm showed up at his doorstep, claiming to have bought his property. Philip's elderly parents also fell prey to scammers who listed their Cape Cod waterfront access land for sale.
The FBI warns that thieves often target the elderly population, preying on those with vacant land and no mortgages. "They're more likely to own homes without any financial burdens," said FBI Special Agent Vivian Barrios. "It's a lucrative scheme for the criminal actor."
Nationwide, land theft has skyrocketed, with over $61.5 million lost in New England between 2019-2023. The Boston office of the FBI is urging property owners and real estate agents to be vigilant.
Time is of the essence. Special Agent Barrios emphasizes that victims must report theft immediately. "Within a 24-hour window, we can sometimes recover the money before it's too late."
In response to I-Team investigations, Massachusetts has implemented a free alert system for homeowners, notifying them whenever a document is recorded on their property. The FBI also offers a website where property owners can report fraud.
As the threat of land thieves grows, one thing is clear: awareness and swift action are the best defenses against these cunning scammers.
