Out of Work Appraiser Stealing Licensees Identity
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The slowdown of real estate sales is causing some to take drastic and illegal actions. An appraiser working under another’s license was laid off because there was not enough work. The man, Phillip Contreras, forged the signature of the licensee and stole his identity to continue to do appraisals. Now Fresno, California police have lodged 142 counts against Contreras.
If I was getting a home inspection or appraisal it may be a smart idea to get a copy of their identification. I am not sure what the status of a loan done with an illegal appraisal, but it could end up being a nightmare for the borrowers.
Phillip Contreras is accused of posing as a licensed real estate appraiser and forging his boss’ signature on dozens of home appraisals.
Lt. Don gross, Fresno Police Department says, “…and what he was doing is using the company’s license without the knowledge or approval of the company to do these appraisals around Fresno County and pocket the money and send the product on through.”
Police don’t want to reveal the name of the appraisal company Contreras worked for yet because they’re still investigating; but, they believe he’s been doing it for 3 years.
He’s charged with 142 counts of forgery, grand theft, identity theft and doing business without a license.
Michael Keller, real estate appraiser, says, “It’s happening all over the country right now.” Keller is a certified appraiser in the business for 37 years. He says the real estate boom a few years ago forced appraisal firms to hire employees with no experience in the real estate field. “Now, things have slowed down, so these employees are without work, doing work on the side, forging the signatures of the licensed appraiser.” via ABC30.com
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Comment by Marla on 17 June 2007:
I have surely uncovered the core of Fresno’s escalation in real estate fraud / foreclosures. The problem in getting help is that it goes hand-in-hand with the City of Fresno’s risk analysts who are conspiring in illegal and unauthorized alterations to public and private properties.
Property must be vacated in order to re-route and cross-connect sewer/water lines – it entails major construction. Done with the City’s equipment, no one questions anything. Heinous crimes to innocent victims in order to carry this out. See my web page http://www.myspace.com/marlalk or http://blog.myspace.com/marlalk