A
couple living in Pittsboro, North Carolina discovered that 20 acres of their family-owned land was nearly sold without their knowledge. The property, located along Olive Chapel Road in Apex, has been in Bob Kelly's family since the 1800s. His grandmother was born there in 1887.

    Kelly and his wife moved to a retirement community but still own the 20-acre plot. However, they were shocked when a neighbor called to ask if they were selling the land, despite a for-sale sign being present on their property. Kelly contacted the real estate agent listed on the sign, who claimed that a couple from Tennessee had asked him to list the property.

    Kelly was skeptical and demanded answers about how this could have happened without his authorization. The agent explained that he never received identification from the alleged couple and had taken down the listing after being informed of the issue. However, Kelly learned that there were already five offers on his property during the 24 hours it was listed for sale.

    The incident has left Kelly shaken, and he filed a complaint with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. The agency investigated the matter but did not pursue disciplinary action against the real estate agent, instead cautioning him to be more vigilant in the future when dealing with properties without face-to-face contact with owners.

    Kelly is now taking extra precautions to protect his property, including checking county tax records regularly for any suspicious activity. Authorities are urging owners of vacant land to remain vigilant and check their property records due to a reported 500% increase in vacant land fraud over the last four years.