Just recently this Minnesota real estate law blog examined an unfortunate way that criminal activity can creep into the real property world — real estate fraud. Prospective renters and home buyers can find themselves the victims when dishonest parties offer for rent or sale interests in real estate that they have no rights to claim. Before a person even knows that he has been deceived the corrupt party many have already pocketed the person’s money and moved on and taking advantage of another innocent person.
Falling victim to a real estate fraud can make a person feel violated and upset. Victims may fear that they will never see their money again and that their financial future may be put into peril by the scheming of the fraud-perpetrating party. Financial and emotional concerns can build as a person learns of the crimes committed against the person through an act of real property fraud.
Although as in all other forms of litigation a specific outcome cannot be guaranteed, many victims of real estate fraud have rights to pursue their damages from the parties who took advantage of them. Perpetrating fraud is a crime — prosecutors throughout the state can bring criminal charges against responsible parties and may request that fines and jail time be lodged as punishment against them. Individual victims, however, can file civil lawsuits based on real estate disputes and lease disputes to seek out reimbursement of their losses.
The law firm of Burns & Hansen guides its clients through the troubling process of protecting their rights in real property disputes. Whether such disputes arise from claims of real estate fraud, contractual disagreements or other property-based deviations, the attorneys and staff of the firm can help individuals better understand their real property rights. No one deserves to be taken advantage of in a real property transaction. Individuals may choose to enforce their rights when deceptive practices prevent them from moving forward with their rightful property interests.