Squatters sold Phoenix home for $200K fraudulently

A shocking incident occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, where squatters took over a home and sold it without the owners knowing. D’Andrea Turner was stunned to find out that two strangers, Aaron Polmanteer and Lledera Hollen, had broken into her home and sold it for $200,000 while posing as her and her ex-husband. Turner's ex-husband had left the house empty for some time when the squatters moved in. They managed to find personal documents, forge new paperwork, and impersonate the Turners. "Squatters stole my house," Turner said, expressing disbelief. The fraudsters ran into trouble when they attempted to cash checks made out in the Turners' names, leading to their arrest. Now, they await trial, and Turner has regained her home. However, this case illustrates a troubling increase in property fraud. Title fraud happens when criminals manipulate the legal documents that secure ownership of a property. Often, vacant or mortgage-free homes are targets. Homeowners may not realize their title has been stolen until it's too late. To protect yourself, it is important to monitor your property. Maricopa County, where Turner's home is located, offers free notifications if documents are recorded under your name. Setting up Google alerts for your address can also help you catch any suspicious activity early. Title companies play a key role in ensuring that property transfers happen without hidden issues. They conduct thorough checks and provide title insurance, which offers financial protection against fraud. If you suspect that your home’s title has been tampered with, take immediate action. Quick response can increase your chances of recovering your property. It's essential to use the right legal and investigative resources to reclaim your ownership.