By Lisa A. Tyler National Escrow Administrator
In the December edition we reported a crime involving the diversion of a real estate agent's commission in a story titled "CYBER–CROOKS." Believe it or not, we have become the victim of the same crime a second time – and this time we actually sent the money to the crook's accomplice. "ONLINE fiancé" is a story you must read in order to avoid becoming a victim of this type of cybercrime in one of your own transactions.
What would you do if someone walked into your office with 100 money orders as their earnest money deposit? I mean after picking yourself up off the floor! Find out how Fidelity's Fresno, Calif. office handled that exact incident by reading "100 MONEY orders."
This newsletter concentrates on fraud, but there are many other crimes which can affect our readers. Therefore we are introducing "THE SAFETY CORNER," a section featuring tips on personal safety. We launch this new section, with the article "OFFICE and personal safety" to raise awareness of crimes our readers are exposed to and provide tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
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