S
cammers are using fake IDs, manipulated videos and altered business records to steal Florida properties before owners even realize what's happening. A recent case in St. Johns County highlights the growing problem of real estate and identity fraud across the state.

    A man named Peter recently moved from out of state and was scammed after responding to a rental ad online. He sent money for a deposit, first month's rent and extra fees, but within days, the sheriff's office showed up saying the house was rented by someone else through a rental property company.

    Miami-based attorney Ellen Patterson is seeing an increasing number of identity and property fraud cases. In one case, a scammer altered official records on Florida's Sunbiz.org to sell land he didn't own. By the time the real owner found out, the sale had already gone through.

    In another case, a fraudster used a fake passport and deepfake-style video call to impersonate an overseas property owner, tricking lenders and buyers before being caught. Patterson warns that scammers can easily create fake IDs using images from the internet.

    Patterson urges individuals and business owners to monitor their records closely and verify identities in any real estate transaction. She advises checking for red flags and taking steps to protect personal and business information.