Real Estate Investing in the Real World
Real Estate Blog
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007

Yesterday I posted a YouTube video about a sting operation busting some shady "Investment Advisors" who had defrauded a group of investors using a common tactic.  This was a variation on the standard buyer-seller kickback scheme that I previously wrote about.  Here's how it works:

I love real estate.  There are millions of honest, ethical investors out there making prudent, informed responsible investments to secure their financial future, but there are also a brigade of scumballs busying ruining it for the rest of us.  Keep your eyes peeled. 

 

Tags:
Add to:
Add to Technorati Favorites
Add to Digg
Add to del.icio.us
Add to Reddit
Comments(79)
posted by: Chris Smith
Comments
October 18, 2007
01:45 PM
Chris - Keep shouting it out until people hear. Sometimes I get accused of not caring about the victims or even that I think it's their fault.

Victims are exactly that. My point is that some of these people should put greed aside for a moment and use common sense. How about meeting some prospective tenants? How about reading your loan application? How about knowing that if you make $45,000/yr it's unlikely that you should be buying $2,000,000 of real estate all at the same time?

I don't want this to happen to anyone else. It's why I teach at UMKC in the community education division. If we can just educate the people, the would be real estate investor, how to recognize red flags when they are flying right in front of their face, then we should!

Keep up the good work.
October 18, 2007
04:44 PM
Chris: Thanks for the comment. I think a lot of the people who get hooked in these scams are folks who've recently read Rich Dad Poor Dad or have received some other similar motivational financial pep talk. Then they walk straight into the jaws of one of these hucksters who convince them that just because they only make $45k/year they can still THINK BIG and get rich w/ their $4 million investment. Then next thing you know they're in bankruptcy.
October 21, 2007
12:24 PM
This post illustrates why it is always a good idea to get a second or third opinion before investing. The old saying "if it's sounds too good to be true..."
October 24, 2007
02:30 AM
I know someone in financial trouble due to greed and ignorance. Reading your articles made me realize he is not the only one that was scammed in a real estate deal. Could use any advice to assist him...
October 24, 2007
10:04 AM
L Maxwell. I'd be interested in knowing more about your example. You could send an email (see the *contact us*) or simply respond as a comment. I recently wrote an article about real estate fraud which will soon appear in the Business Journal Network and in the process spoke with an FBI Special Agent working on real estate fraud here in Houston. There are a lot of variations and tricks out there, and we all learn when people like you share your stories.
November 11, 2007
01:12 PM
Not only do you have great content but your research/images are awesome. There are so many scams out there it's easy to walk right into a bad decision. Thanks for the information.
December 03, 2007
10:41 AM
Thanks Ryan - glad to have you as a reader!
April 18, 2009
04:54 PM
This post illustrates why it is always a good idea to get a second or third opinion before investing. The old saying "if it's sounds too good to be true..."

Jeff
bodybuilder forum owner
June 17, 2009
06:51 PM
I just started my investment blog and I know what your talking about. People are just being scammed left and right because they are easy targets in such economic times
July 05, 2009
10:37 AM
Not only do you have great content but your research/images are awesome.
July 06, 2009
04:43 AM
cxv
July 06, 2009
04:45 AM
sdfs
July 06, 2009
04:46 AM
sdfsdfs
July 06, 2009
04:49 AM
wow gold
July 06, 2009
04:50 AM
wow power leveling
July 06, 2009
04:52 AM
wow gold
July 06, 2009
04:56 AM
sfsdf
July 06, 2009
05:12 AM
wow power levelingsfss
July 06, 2009
05:14 AM
lotro goldsfs
July 06, 2009
05:30 AM
xcvxcv
July 06, 2009
05:32 AM
sdfsfs
July 06, 2009
05:33 AM
sdfsdfs
July 06, 2009
05:35 AM
sdfsdfs
August 15, 2009
02:00 AM
Wow. You should do live presentations! Your content is beyond compare!
September 19, 2009
05:05 PM
great
October 10, 2009
03:18 AM
Really a nice articles well done 90789789789
October 30, 2009
01:02 AM
great
November 06, 2009
03:34 AM
perfect
November 07, 2009
04:19 AM
Really a nice articles well done 90789789789
November 14, 2009
03:24 AM
good
November 21, 2009
02:08 AM
Very nice!
November 26, 2009
10:00 PM
Replica Rolex
November 21, 2009
02:08 AMVery nice
November 27, 2009
02:09 AM
In the game kal geons is very important, if you in the game had the enough kal gold,
you will had a tall level in the game, so you need spend some money to buy the kal online geons.When you learn the skills and buy the excellent equipment, you will find the kal online gold is very useful. kalonline Geons can help you in the game.asfsf
November 28, 2009
01:25 AM
Ok, so, the greatness of this shoe, appearance wise, isn't even describable in words
January 07, 2010
09:12 AM
Emporio Armani Classic Automatic with Brown Dial-Green Marking and White Bezel-Leather Strap
Emporio Armani Classic Automatic with Black Dial-Green Marking and White Bezel-Leather Strap
Emporio Armani Chronometer Automatic with Black Dial-White Marking and White Bezel-Leather Strap
Emporio Armani Chronometer Automatic with Beige Dial-Black Marking and White Bezel-Leather Strap
Armani Emporio Automatic with Brown Dial,White Bezel and Black Leather Strap
Armani Classic Chronometer Automatic with Black Dial and Black Leather Strap
Emporio Armani Working Chronograph Two Tone with Black Dial
Emporio Armani Working Chronograph with Black Dial
Emporio Armani Working Chronograph with Black Dial
Emporio Armani Working Chronograph with White Dial
Emporio Armani Automatic with Black Dial
January 18, 2010
08:06 AM
I like your blog.
January 18, 2010
08:08 AM
Your blog is great.
January 18, 2010
08:10 AM
Nice post.
March 02, 2010
10:54 PM
Although to some it may feel oh-so-far-off, spring is on it's way, and here are the louis vuitton to prove it!
New christian louboutin spring shoes are hitting the shelves and they are colorful, whimsical and playful,
perfect for a spring or summer wedding looking for a little jolt of fun! and now discount for Gucci,Which are your faves?
April 28, 2010
03:28 AM
Rip Blu-ray DVDs, common DVDs into video formats and convert almost all of videos from one to another,
May 21, 2010
07:59 AM
well worth the read. thank you very much for taking the time to share with those who are starting on the subject. greetings
May 22, 2010
10:24 AM
Your blog is great. thanks you sharing
May 22, 2010
10:26 AM
Very nice!
May 22, 2010
10:27 AM
Ok, so, the greatness of this shoe, appearance wise, isn't even describable in words
May 22, 2010
10:28 AM
perfect
May 26, 2010
03:19 AM
This post illustrates why it is always a good idea to get a second or third opinion before investing.
June 05, 2010
01:38 AM
very good article, thanks for sharing..
June 13, 2010
10:55 PM
Your blog is great. thanks you sharing
July 06, 2010
03:20 AM
supra shoes
July 06, 2010
03:21 AM
puma shoes
July 06, 2010
03:22 AM
air jordan
July 26, 2010
10:21 PM
AVI to iPad is your best choice which can help you perfectly resolve those problems without limitation. Besides converting avi and other video and audio conversion, AVI to iPad Converter also let you merge various files into a new one, effect video, trim movies, add watermark, etc to meet your specific needs.
WMV to iPad
VOB to iPad
3GP to iPad
MKV to iPad
HD to iPad
MOD to iPad
MTS to iPad
AVI to iPad
July 26, 2010
10:22 PM
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/avi-to-ipad.html]AVI to iPad [/url] is your best choice which can help you perfectly resolve those problems without limitation. Besides converting avi and other video and audio conversion, AVI to iPad Converter also let you merge various files into a new one, effect video, trim movies, add watermark, etc to meet your specific needs.
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/wmv-to-ipad.html]WMV to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/vob-to-ipad.html]VOB to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/3gp-to-ipad.html]3GP to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/mkv-to-ipad.html]MKV to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/hd-to-ipad.html]HD to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/mod_to_ipad.html]MOD to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.magicipadconverter.com/mts_to_ipad_converter.html]MTS to iPad [/url]
[url=http://www.avitoipadconverter.com]AVI to iPad[/url]
July 26, 2010
11:58 PM
It is a good timberland 6 inch boots thing that the God Who made us is not impatient with people like me with my timberland shoe company orchid. He lovingly thinks about us all the time timberland boots and he even temporarily gave up His heavenly home and his timberland traditional handsewn hold on diety to die for the sins of timberland mens custom world nearly 2,000 years ago. His death back then covered the sins of every cheap boots person who will ever live. He then rose to life after three mens timberland chukka? days and ever since has wanted us to accept His gracious act by loving Him and also those around us. When we do this, we will see people in a totally different timberland womens premium boots light — one that redefines what it means to be ugly or different or weird or strange. Instead, we see people with ugly timberland shoes store problems in whom God is working so they can bloom beautifully — just like I now see in my orchids whether they are “lumps” or blossoms! On a certain timberland work shoes day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our timberland wheat shoes lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, *ing the minutes for timberland for you loitering --waiting, waiting, waiting for the station. http://www.timberland4you.co.uk/
July 28, 2010
10:05 PM
UGG Boots 5163, UGG Upside Boots, UGG Upside Espresso, Chestnut, Black, Sand, Chocolate Boots Online Store. http://www.uggboots5163.com 12
July 28, 2010
10:08 PM
UGG 5825, UGG Boots 5825, UGG Classic Short Boots, Classic Short 5825 | UGG 5825 Boots12
July 28, 2010
10:11 PM
ghd IV styler, ghd hair straighteners, ghd styler, ghds, ghd IV, hair stylers, ghd straighteners UK 09
July 28, 2010
10:15 PM
Gucci Handbags&Gucci Outlet&Gucci Bags
Article from : http://www.guccis.net 12
July 28, 2010
10:18 PM
UGG Classic Boots,UGG Classic Tall Boots,UGG Boots Classic Tall | UGG Boots 5815 Store 11
July 28, 2010
10:24 PM
Many people believe that UGG Classic Cardy is women’s patent. But I will tell you, Ugg boots are also for men wearing. Rock star Ronnie Wood may be the male star who often wears Ugg boots. As early as 2004, he began trying to Uggs Cardy. His thin physique seemed so adapt to the shoes. In fact, simple model boots like the Classic Cardy Boots, focus on warmth, it doesn’t set off men and women style, so men can also wear Ugg boots.12
August 04, 2010
01:24 AM
Product NameGucci New Style Fashion Ladies Leather Handbag 223963 in Black
Product NameGucci 09 New Style Fashion Ladies Oil Wax Leather Handbag 211959-Rice White
Product NameGucci 09 Latest Fashion Frosted Leather Handbag 211960-Black
Product NameGucci New Style Casual Shoulder Bag 211940-Apricot
Product NameGucci New Style Beautiful Handbag 223953-Earth Yellow
Product NameGucci New Style Beautiful Shoulder Bag 211941-Light Coffee
Product NameGucci New Style Ladies Shoulder Bag 218780-Black
August 11, 2010
02:15 AM
Try our products. There will be surprises.
Video Converter for Mac
Mac Video To Audio
WMA MP3 Converter for Mac
PSP Video Converter for Mac
HD Video Converter for Mac
Apple TV Converter Mac
iPod Video Converter for Mac
iPhone Converter for Mac
AVI To iPod for Mac
MPEG To iPod for Mac
WMV To iPod for Mac
DVD Ripper for Mac
August 11, 2010
08:37 PM
dfga
August 13, 2010
03:20 AM
Try our products, It will give you perfect enjoyment

www.besthdsoft.com
August 17, 2010
02:59 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along.
I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.Nice blog,I will keep visiting this blog very often.
August 17, 2010
03:00 AM
Hey, I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part
people lack substance but
I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!…..
I’ll be checking in on a regularly now….
Keep up the good work!
August 17, 2010
03:01 AM
I am the first time on this site and am really enthusiastic about and so many good articles. I think it’s just very good.
Always yours
August 24, 2010
04:03 AM
Really good article! We will bring you more exciting and better service. Our Christian Louboutin Shoes are fashionable and creative. Is even more affordable. we provide high quality Christian Louboutin.Look here, there is a very innovative style models, our Louboutin Shoes for sale We are waiting for you.. Please trust us. Choose us!
August 25, 2010
09:10 PM
chanel j12 watch, chanel j12 watch
Nike ACG, Nike ACG
CHI Green Camo Ceramic Flat Iron, CHI Green Camo Ceramic Flat Iron
August 25, 2010
11:13 PM
great info.
August 26, 2010
03:23 AM
nike air jordan 5, nike air jordan 5
Supra Skytop NS Magenta Black, Supra Skytop NS Magenta Black
Radii Timeless Deluxe white leather, Radii Timeless Deluxe white leather
August 26, 2010
04:06 AM
Good article!
With high quality swiss rolex replicas will be your wise choice.swiss rolex replicas
Thanks!
August 26, 2010
07:38 AM
supra strapped ns white, supra strapped ns white
supra ns skytop black acid blue, supra ns skytop black acid blue
supra shoes, supra shoes
August 26, 2010
09:47 AM
Supra Trinity NS, Supra Trinity NS
Supra Shoes Skylow, Supra Shoes Skylow
Black Ceramic Watches, Black Ceramic Watches
August 30, 2010
09:42 AM
Air Jordan 17, Air Jordan 17
Supra Vaider black white, Supra Vaider black white
Nike Air Max 2003, Nike Air Max 2003
August 31, 2010
10:16 AM
discount Coach Purses, discount Coach Purses
J12 Watches, J12 Watches
supra shoes skytop, supra shoes skytop
August 31, 2010
08:26 PM
supra trinity ns white patent, supra trinity ns white patent
supra vaider black grey blue, supra vaider black grey blue
Supra Cuban blue, Supra Cuban blue
August 31, 2010
11:33 PM
This post illustrates why it is always a good idea to get a second or third opinion before investing. The old saying "if it's sounds too good to be true..."
September 02, 2010
03:11 AM
ghd mini hair straighteners uk, ghd mini hair straighteners uk
Supra Suprano High Purple White, Supra Suprano High Purple White
Herve Leger Strapless, Herve Leger Strapless
Leave a Comment
Enter Name
Enter Email - will not be published
Enter Website Address
Enter Your Comment
email a friend
print this page
About Me
Chris Smith
Email Sign Up
Enter Your Email Address

Add Email
Delivered by FeedBurner
Archives
My Blog Log
© 2007 Paladin Equity, LLC.
EquityScout.com is a Trademark of Paladin Equity, LLC.