$300K Florida real-estate scam saw woman sell 25 properties she didn't own, state says
A 20-year-old Palm Beach County woman is facing criminal charges after authorities alleged that she stole more than $300,000 through a real-estate scam in which she pretended to be the owner of properties in at least six Florida counties and listed the properties for sale.
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Tabria Anorria Josey on Wednesday on charges of scheminge to defraud, grand theft, money laundering, aggravated white-collar crime and communications fraud.
She is being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail, awaiting extradition to an unspecified county. Jail records indicate her residence is in The Acreage.
The Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution is handling the case. Investigators say the scam involved 25 properties located in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Indian River, Lee, Orange and Flagler counties.
Statewide prosecutors allege that Josey listed the properties for sale on various real estate websites without the owners' knowledge, often impersonating an owner. Once a buyer committed to purchasing the property, Josey would act as the title agent facilitating the closing, the Attorney General's Office said.
Investigators say that as part of her scheme, Josey created fictitious title companies, websites, title agent identities and unique email addresses to make the sales appear to be legitimate.
FDLE agents have identified more than 45 victims. The agency said there may be more victims.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the FDLE's Fort Myers office at (800) 407-4880.
jwhigham@pbpost.com
@JuliusWhigham
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Real-state scam saw women sell $300K in property she didn't own, state says
