Q: Can someone list and try to sell a property that they don't own without knowledge of the owner?
I am a California businessman who is conducting business in other states as well. I have an LLC in Florida and it owns two lots. Today, I realized that the lots have been listed for sale 40 days ago without my knowledge. I contacted the listing agent. He told me that his client is a land firm and has a contract with the owner of record. Then, I explained that I am the owner of the company and haven't authorized anything like this he went on and removed the listing. I told him that I don't understand how they can list the property without verifying the ownership. He said that the Prelim. Title Report takes up to 21 days and the situation would have been cleared after receiving it. Also, he told me that his client reached out to the fraudster and that after pressuring him for a while he admitted he was fraudulent. I have the name and phone numbers of both the fraudster and the land firm. What should I do? Should I go to the police? Should I pursue legal action against any parties?
A: You can report it to the authorities, but it doesn't appear that it would be worth your while to "pursue legal action" (i.e.: file a civil suit); you have not suffered any serious damages.
Charles M. Baron agrees with this answer
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