Previous alerts on this issue have been sent in 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2022.
On April 12, 2022, The Fund released an alert regarding an increase in the volume of fraud scams concerning vacant lots; the most common being an unencumbered vacant property whose owner lives outside of the United States. The fraudster poses as the legitimate owner of the property and (in most instances) forges a deed from the true owner to our insured owner(s). A claim arises when the true owner of the property comes forward to challenge the insured deed, many times in the form of a suit to quiet title.
A new Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) has been issued effective April 30, 2022 and ending on October 26, 2022.
View the New Geographic Targeting Order (GTO)
Alerts about this scam have been sent to Fund Members in 2009, 2010 and 2018. This scam has not gone away!
In light of the U.S. Federal government sanctioning of Russian banks pursuant to Executive Order, closings involving sanctioned Russian banks cannot be completed. This includes requesting payoffs of mortgages or the sending of any funds to satisfy a mortgage.
Michael Torsten Steen and Maria Catharina Steen are the true owners of Lot 12 and the N 5 feet of Lot 11, Block 4, Surfside No. 2, PB 23, Page 16, Public Records of Pinellas County (18212 Sunset Blvd, Redington Shores, FL 33708).
On June 16, 2021, FinCEN updated (“Modernized”) the website for filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTR). The new look will likely confuse experienced e-filers the first time it is accessed. 07/14/2021
Governor’s Executive Order Extended/Amended
Summary: By Executive Order 20-180, the moratorium on Florida foreclosures and residential evictions has been extended to August 31, 2020. Further the Governor DeSantis has clarified that the moratorium applies to only residential foreclosures & evictions and only for those who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, the CARES ACT moratorium on residential foreclosures or foreclosure related evictions of residential loans insured or guaranteed by FHA, VA, USDA or loans that are owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has been extended to August 31, 2020.
Summary: By Executive Order, the moratorium on ALL Florida foreclosures and residential evictions has been extended to August 1, 2020. Additionally, the CARES ACT moratorium on residential foreclosures or foreclosure related evictions of residential loans insured or guaranteed by FHA, VA, USDA or loans that are owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has been extended to August 31, 2020.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (“CARES Act”) provides for financial relief due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic.