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Real Estate Fraud Form

  1. Guidelines
    Before completing this form, please take the time to thoroughly read the following guidelines. This will help you to understand the function of the Merced County's District Attorney's Office in both the investigation and prosecution of real estate related crimes.
  2. The Merced County District Attorney's Real Estate Fraud Unit investigates real estate fraud cases occurring in the County of Merced. The types of cases which will be considered for investigation can include, but are not limited to, fraudulent real estate transactions and/or schemes, forgeries, fraudulent transfers of title of real property, the recording of false real estate documents with the Merced County Recorder's Office, mortgage foreclosures consultant fraud, embezzlement, elder financial abuse and identity theft.
  3. If you believe that you have been a victim of real estate fraud, or you have suffered a loss involving your home, follow the instructions below.
  4. To begin a complaint, fill out the complaint form below.
  5. Attach legible COPIES of ALL documents that support your complaint. This may include: letters, contracts, deeds, promissory notes, deeds of trust, loan applications, escrow documents, appraisals, power(s) of attorney, checks (front and back) and any complaints filed with other agencies.
  6. Be truthful and as accurate as possible. Be aware that making a false crime report with the police or with the District Attorney's Office is a crime punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to California Penal Code 148.5.
  7. Please be aware that the Merced County District Attorney's Office has limited resources with which to review and investigate each real estate fraud complaint received. Submission of a real estate fraud complaint alone will not guarantee that an investigation will be initiated.
  8. If we determine it necessary to obtain more information, a representative of the Real Estate Fraud Unit will contact you.
  9. When the Real Estate Fraud Unit receives a real estate fraud complaint, an investigator will review all of the information contained therein and the supporting documentation provided. If the information meets our guidelines to commence an investigation, a case will be initiated. If it is determined the complaint will not be investigated by the Real Estate Fraud Unit, but warrants further review, we will refer you to an agency that will appropriately handle the type of matter involved.
  10. It should be noted that many real estate disputes are not appropriate for criminal action but are potentially appropriate for civil action. The Merced County District Attorney's Office is not legally permitted to represent individuals in civil matters. Civil matters include taking legal action in order to obtain money owed to a complainant, assist in cancelling any debt due on a contract that was signed or mediate individual consumer complaints. You may consult with a private attorney to explore civil remedies that may be available to you. If you have any questions, you may call the Real Estate Fraud Unit at (209) 385-7383.
  11. Were you referred to the DA's Office?*
  12. Have you ever filed a Real Estate Fraud complaint with us?*
  13. BUSINESS/SUSPECT COMPLAINT IS AGAINST:
  14. COMPLAINT INFORMATION
  15. Does the Property Involve HUD?*
  16. Nature of your complaint:*
  17. Documentation I have attached:*
  18. Did the transaction involve a notary?*
  19. Did the transaction involve an appraiser?*
  20. Have you hired an attorney?*
  21. Have you made any attempts to contact the suspect(s) listed in this complaint? *
  22. Other agencies that you have contacted:*
  23. Describe the type of property involved:*
  24. Have you given anyone power of attorney or authorization to act on your behalf?*
  25. If this complaint is investigated and criminal charges are filed against the suspect, you may be required to apper in court to testify truthfully to the allegations in this complaint. Will you do this if needed?*
  26. Electronic Signature Agreement*
    By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that by signing in this electronic manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature.
  27. By signing my electronic signature below, I am declaring under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing statements and photocopies of attached documents are true and correct.
  28. Leave This Blank:

  29. This field is not part of the form submission.