A growing wave of deed theft is hitting Central Texas, with scammers—dubbed “title pirates”—impersonating legitimate landowners to illegally sell property. In one case, a con artist posing as Joe Grasso nearly convinced a realtor to sell his 10-acre property near Hamilton Pool, using personal details, fake emails, and even a supposed brother’s information to appear credible. The fraud was only stopped when the realtor trusted his instincts and visited the real Grasso at home, exposing the scheme.
Officials and real estate experts warn that vacant land, second homes, and properties with absentee owners are prime targets. Fraudsters rely on fake IDs, mobile notaries, and electronic communications to pass as legitimate sellers, often slipping through during times when owners are less attentive. Homeowners may not even realize their property has been stolen until they stop receiving tax bills. With cases multiplying, Texans are being urged to stay vigilant, as criminals are exploiting the cracks in the system with frightening ease.
This story was first reported by fox4news.com
