F
airfield County, S.C. - Sheriff Will Montgomery is warning residents about a real estate scam targeting landowners and potential buyers in the Lake Wateree area. Scammers are posing as property owners to sell vacant or undeveloped properties without the owner's knowledge.
Two cases have been reported to the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, with one case involving a "For Sale" sign placed on a property without permission, and another where tens of thousands of dollars were transferred before the scam was discovered.
Sheriff Montgomery released a statement explaining how the scam works and how individuals can protect themselves. Scammers typically target properties with owners who live out of the area or rarely visit. They place a "For Sale" sign to lure buyers, use stolen or fabricated identification to impersonate the owner, and initiate a fraudulent sale using real estate agents and attorneys.
Warning signs for agents and buyers include:
* The seller only communicates through phone or email
* Contact information seems generic or out-of-state
* The seller pushes for a quick sale at a low price
* Identification appears valid but has inconsistencies
To protect yourself, buyers should verify the seller's identity, cross-reference property ownership, and be cautious of suspiciously low prices. Property owners should visit their property regularly, watch for unauthorized "For Sale" signs, and consider filing a property alert with the Register of Deeds Office.
If you believe your property is being targeted or have concerns about a land transaction, contact the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office immediately at (803) 635-4141.
