How Scammers Are Taking Advantage of a Crazy Market SCAM ALERT!
The housing market is booming. From September 2019 to September 2020,
top tactic these criminals use to rip people off is by getting people in the market to send money to fake addresses. The scammers will literally go out, find legitimate houses for sale, advertise them for rent, and persuade buyers to send first and last month’s rent and a security deposit to a fake address. They will even use “spoof” photos if need be for a completely fake listing. One big red flag is if you are told that you can only drive by to check it out. Another scam out there has actually been around since the housing market crash in 2007– 2009. Scammers will promise a service to end foreclosure proceedings, then collect the funds electronically and never perform the service. Scams also circulate around moving companies. Many times, when you hire a company to assist in the moving process, you never meet them in
homeowners collectively accumulated $1 trillion in home equity. Last year, 6.5 million homes were sold, and that number is projected to jump to 7.1 million by the time this year closes out. In the midst of the real estate frenzy, scammers are jumping at the opportunity to take advantage. With much of the paperwork involved in real estate transactions now taking place online, especially as a convenience factor during the pandemic, the opportunities for scamming are endless. According to the America Land and Title Association, homeowners were scammed out of $220 million just in closing costs.
person. Fraudulent “companies” collect upfront fees from those planning on moving, then never show up for the job. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is proceed with caution and use common sense. Pay attention to the email addresses that companies email from and do some in-depth research on the company before you give away any payment or personal information.
Safety is the name of the game, so always be on the lookout!
Closing fund theft via fake collections is just one of the many ways scammers get creative. The
SUDOKU
MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
DIY HOLIDAY EGGNOG
Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.
INGREDIENTS
• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!
Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com
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