With a growing number of homeless in the US and a correlating number of empty second homes, squatters are on the rise. But, they don't usually manage to sell the home they're occupying.
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With around 16 million empty homes, and only around 770,000 homeless, there are plenty of properties for them to choose from. Because of this, when an empty property is identified, it's a no-brainer for them to use it for shelter.
However, one pair in Arizona took things a little further. They decided that as well as occupying the space, they would also try to sell it. Using fraudulently copied documents, they almost managed it as well.
The house had been empty for some time due to the usual resident being away. D'Andrea Turner's ex-husband is a long-haul trucker and was away. He had left the Arizona home unattended, so Aaron Polmanteer and Lledera Hollen moved in.
After finding a few documents lying around, they got to copying them, and forging new ones. This allowed them to steal the identities of the current owners and residents. From there the squatters listed the home and sold the home to real estate investors for $200,000.
Squatters Sale Scheme Scuppered
Speaking to the media, D'Andrea Turner could not believe her home had almost been sold from under her by squatters. "It feels so surreal, I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Really, I didn't even think something like this could happen."
The whole scheme almost came through for the squatters until one small slip-up triggered authorities. The identity-stealing pair tried to cash a check in their new names and were arrested. From there, their whole plan fell apart. They now await trial where they may end up with more free accommodation, at the expense of the US taxpayer.
The house owner couldn't believe how far the squatters had gotten with their house sale. "Squatters stole my house," she said. "They actually moved in, posed as me, and sold my house." But, this isn't the first time this has happened.
If you own a second home, maybe think of selling it to someone who will use the space. If you happen to be away for a long time, ensure you know someone nearby who can make regular checks.
