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Selling Your House

Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud Prevention

By August 13, 2024No Comments
Attorney Jeremy Danilson conducts an out-of-state Remote Online Notary.  A simple technique to assist with avoiding Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud.
Attorney Jeremy Danilson conducts an out-of-state Remote Online Notary. A simple technique to assist with avoiding Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud.

In recent months, a concerning case in Iowa has brought seller impersonation fraud to the forefront of real estate transactions. A buyer, excited to purchase land from an out-of-state seller, unknowingly became a victim of fraud. The supposed seller, along with a complicit notary, signed all necessary documents, and the sale seemed legitimate. Only after the buyer invested time and resources did the truth emerge: the real owner was unaware, and the sale was fraudulent.

This alarming scenario underscores the importance of securing every step of the real estate transaction process, especially the notary act. At Danilson Law, we know how crucial it is to verify notarial acts when buying or selling property.

Understanding Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud

In the Iowa case, the fraudulent seller colluded with an out-of-state notary who either ignored or joined the scheme. The fraudulent seller signed, notarized, and returned the documents, making the sale seem legitimate. When the real owner discovered it, the sale was voided, leaving the buyer with a legal battle.

Seller impersonation fraud occurs when a scammer pretends to be the rightful owner of a property, often with the aid of a fraudulent notary, to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer. This type of fraud can have devastating consequences, leaving buyers without legal ownership of the property they believed they had purchased.

The Importance of Secure Notarization

To prevent such fraudulent activities, controlling the notary process is essential. At Danilson Law, we ensure the integrity of real estate transactions through secure notarization methods.
We create a controlled environment with in-person signings or Iowa’s Remote Online Notarization (RON) services, verifying all parties and minimizing fraud risk.

RON services add security by using technology to verify identities, record the process, and securely store documents. This method not only meets Iowa’s legal requirements but also provides peace of mind to all parties involved, especially when dealing with out-of-state transactions.

Why Choose Danilson Law for Your Notary Needs?

Our firm actively safeguards your real estate transactions from fraud. By working with us, you gain access to trusted notary services that ensure the authenticity of every document. Whether you need an in-person notary or are considering the convenience and security of RON, we’re here to help.

If you’re in a real estate transaction and need notary services, especially out-of-state, contact Danilson Law today. Our experienced team is ready to handle all your notarization needs, protecting you from Iowa Seller Impersonation Fraud from the start.

Reach Out to Danilson Law

Don’t let seller impersonation fraud jeopardize your real estate transaction. For secure and reliable notary services, including Remote Online Notarization, reach out to Danilson Law. We’re here to protect your investment and provide you with the confidence you need in your real estate dealings.

Jeremy

Hi, I'm Jeremy Danilson, a native Iowan and founder of Danilson Law.

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