By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P] .
Are you about to make a real estate transaction in San Mateo County? Beware, it could be a scam.
The District Attorney's Office Investigations Department investigates cases involving real estate fraud in San Mateo County.
Real estate fraud cases that will be considered for investigation include real estate transactions and schemes such as: falsified loan application filings; fraudulent transfer of title to real estate; recording of false real estate documents; foreclosure sale contract fraud; and foreclosure consultant fraud.
"When we receive a complaint, we review all information and supporting documentation that is included. If the complaint does not meet the criteria outlined above for opening a case, we will make every effort to refer it to an agency that will appropriately address the type of issue involved," the District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
He said that many real estate consumer disputes are not appropriate for government action, but are appropriate for private legal action.
"In general, it's a good idea to consult with a private attorney to explore what private legal remedies are available," he stressed.
At the same time, he reminded that said office is not legally authorized to represent people in civil matters, take action to obtain money owed to a consumer, help cancel any debt owed on the contract that was signed, resolve or mediate individual consumer complaints, or obtain any other support of a personal nature. "Those functions are performed by other government agencies established for that purpose."
If you would like to file a real estate fraud complaint with the District Attorney's Office, you can download a copy of the Form real estate fraud complaint and send it to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Office of Investigations, 400 County Center 3rd Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 with attention to DDA of Real Estate Fraud Unit.
People facing foreclosure have a lot of issues to deal with, and the District Attorney's Office sends out a Notice of Foreclosure Letter to property owners who have recently received a Notice of Noncompliance with respect to real property located in San Mateo County.
The letter provides information on resources available to help homeowners in this situation and warns them to beware of "foreclosure rescue" scams.
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