T
he Fresno County district attorney's office has a dedicated team to investigate and prosecute real estate fraud. On Tuesday, they will present their accomplishments from the past year.

    In 2024-2025, the community reported 28 cases of suspected real estate fraud to the district attorney's Real Estate Fraud Prosecution team. The unit closed eight cases and is actively investigating 58 others. They also filed three new criminal cases, including one involving an elderly man who allegedly lost over $100,000 to a close family member.

    These complex investigations can take months or even years to complete, requiring extensive research and interviews with victims, witnesses, and financial institutions. The team's presentation noted that most investigations involve obtaining search warrants for documents and bank records.

    One notable case involved an 85-year-old man who was deceived by his nephew into selling his home. The nephew, a real estate agent, used the victim's bank accounts to pay his own bills and maxed out credit cards. He then sold the house, deposited $150,000 into a trust with himself as trustee, and named himself beneficiary on other assets.

    The district attorney's office encourages anyone who suspects real estate fraud to report it. Crimes investigated by the unit include forgery, identity theft, foreclosure schemes, and elder abuse. Funding for the program comes from recording fees and prosecution of real estate fraud cases. The Fresno County Assessor/Recorder also offers a free program that alerts property owners about changes to their title, helping to prevent potential fraud.