ᐅ Attempted Fraud in Land Purchase – Have You Experienced This?

Hello!

I am planning to buy a plot of land in a municipality. The following people know about this:
- me^^
- my parents
- my partner
- the municipality
- the notary

Now I have received a very detailed email in German and English from a woman abroad claiming to be the previous owner of the property I am acquiring from the municipality. As proof, she sent her identity card and several photos of the property.

The first step in this scheme is that I am supposed to send a copy of my identity card.

My question:

Does this sound familiar to you? If so, where could the scammer have obtained such detailed information?

Thanks & best regards

No, and in my police career, I have never come across such a tactic. What exactly does this lady want?

This is what they want:

Hello,

I will write this email in English as my German is not very good. Below, I will try to provide a summary in German in case you do not understand English.

My name is Caroline, and regarding your email, I understand that you are interested in purchasing my property located in Geisenhausen, Landshut:

* XXXX 1, 84XXX XXXXX, Landshut (district);

* Price: XXX,000 €;

* 4 rooms;

* 140.00 sqm (1,507 sq ft);

* 1,000 sqm (10,764 sq ft) plot;

* Garage; guest toilet; fitted kitchen; basement;

I have been the sole owner of the property, which I purchased outright a few years ago while living in Germany, where I met my husband. For about a year, I have been living abroad (London, United Kingdom) permanently, after my husband died in an unfortunate car accident. I am planning to start a new life here, to buy a new home, etc.

Regarding the property in Germany, an international real estate agency will handle the entire purchase agreement process. I have already signed an exclusive contract with them. All the original documents are held by them along with the keys to the property.

The agency’s commission is fully paid by me, and you will only be responsible for the notary fees if you agree to purchase the property (after visiting it, of course).

The property can be reserved in your name for a private viewing. An international agent will conduct the visit and will have all the original documents with them, so you can check everything before making a decision.

Please let me know how you intend to purchase the property. Can you pay cash, or will you need financing?

To contact the agency, I need a copy of the ID card (or passport) of the potential buyer(s). I have attached a copy of mine.

After receiving this document, I will contact the company, and an agent will provide you with all the necessary details to arrange a private viewing of the property.

Thank you for your interest. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

• Summary in German.

Hello, I understand that you are interested in my house. I have been the only owner of the property; it was purchased outright a few years ago while I lived in Germany, where I met my husband. For about a year, I have been living abroad (London, United Kingdom), because my husband died in an unfortunate car accident. I am planning to start a new life here, to buy a new house, etc.

Regarding the property in Germany, an international real estate agency is managing the entire purchase process. I have already signed an exclusive contract with them. All the original documents are in their custody along with the keys to the property.

The agency's commission is fully paid by me, and you will only pay for the notary documents if you agree to buy the property (after visiting it, of course).

The property can be reserved in your name for a private viewing. An international agent will conduct the appointment. They will have all the original documents so you can check them before making a decision.

Please tell me how you intend to purchase the property. Can you pay cash, or do you need financing?

To contact the agency, I need a copy of the ID card (or passport) of the potential buyer(s). I have already attached mine.

After receiving the document, I will contact the company, and an agent will provide you with all the necessary information to schedule a private visit to the property.

Attached as mentioned is a PDF with a copy of an ID card and various photos of the property...

I thought you were buying a plot of land? Here, a finished house is being discussed. What matters is what is recorded in the land register; that is your seller.

Exactly... you say you want to buy the property from the municipality. Who is listed in the land register?

The wording in the text does not sound typical for a scam, except for two things.

1) the copy of the ID
2) London, UK...

Still, I wouldn’t necessarily open PDF files from emails sent by unknown senders.
Is it possible that the local authority has to publish the prospective buyers somewhere? I would check with the local authority.