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2. 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.
4. 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.
6. 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.
8. To begin a complaint, fill out the complaint form below.
10. 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.
12. 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.
14. 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.
16. If we determine it necessary to obtain more information, a representative of the Real Estate Fraud Unit will contact you.
18. 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.
20. 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.
22. Your Full Name:*
23. Phone Number:*
25. Your Address:*
27. City:*
28. State:*
29. Zip:*
31. Occupation*
32. Email Address *
34. Business Address:
36. City:
37. State:
38. Zip:
40. Business Phone Number:
41. Date of Birth:*
43. Social Security Number:
44. Drivers License Number:
46. Were you referred to the DA's Office?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
47. Who referred you?
49. Have you ever filed a Real Estate Fraud complaint with us?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
50. Please provide the case number:
54. BUSINESS/SUSPECT COMPLAINT IS AGAINST:
56. Full Name of Suspect:*
57. Suspect's Phone Number:*
59. Suspect's Address:
61. City:
62. State:
63. Zip:
65. Suspect's Business Name:
66. Suspect's Business Phone Number:
68. Suspect's Business Address:
70. City:
71. State:
72. Zip:
74. Suspect's Business Website:
75. Suspect's Email:
79. COMPLAINT INFORMATION
81. Address of Property In Question:*
83. City:*
84. State:*
85. Zip:*
87. APN:
88. Approximate Dollar Loss:*
89. Does the Property Involve HUD?*

    1. Yes
    2. No
91. Nature of your complaint:*

    1. Real Estate Transaction
    2. Mortgage/Loan Fraud
    3. Foreclosure Rescue Scam
    4. Appraisal Fraud
    5. Identity Theft
    6. Forgery
    7. Theft of Money or Property
    8. Other
92. Documentation I have attached:*

    1. Advertising Materials
    2. Contract/Agreement
    3. Cancelled Check(s) Front and Back
    4. Promissory Note/Deed?Deed of Trust
    5. Cash Receipt(s)
    6. Escrow Instructions/Loan Docs
    7. Closing Statements
    8. Correspondence
94. What was the date you became aware of the alleged fraud?*
95. When and where did the transaction occur?*
97. Did the transaction involve a notary?*

    1. Yes

    1. No
98. Who was the notary?
100. Did the transaction involve an appraiser?*

     1. Yes

     1. No
101. Who was the appraiser?
103. Have you hired an attorney?*

     1. Yes
     2. No
104. Who is your attorney?
106. List name(s), address(es) and phone number(s) to others who may have further knowledge of these allegations:
108. Have you made any attempts to contact the suspect(s) listed in this complaint? *

     1. Yes

     1. No
109. Name of the person contacted and date of contact:
111. Other agencies that you have contacted:*

     1. Merced Police Department
     2. Merced County Sheriff's Office
     3. Bureau of Real Estate
     4. Better Business Bureau
     5. HUD
     6. Other
112. Describe the type of property involved:*

     1. Single Family Home
     2. Condominium
     3. Multi-Unit Complex
     4. Commercial Property
     5. Agricultural Land
114. Have you given anyone power of attorney or authorization to act on your behalf?*

     1. Yes
     2. No
115. Who did you give this to?
117. In a brief statement, please explain the facts of your complaint in detail. Please include only the facts of the case and how the alleged fraud occurred.*
119. 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?*

     1. Yes

     1. No
121. Additional Documentation
122. Additional Documentation
123. Additional Documentation
125. 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.

     1. I agree
127. 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.
129. Electronic Signature:*
130. Date:*
Leave This Blank:


132. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
133. Email address

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134. Submit Submit and Print

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