STRAW BUYER SCAMS 

• Scam artists find ways to cash out equity of real property entrusted to them using "creative financing."  They may employ phony "straw buyers" to sign loan payments. 

• The straw buyer may have committed both state and federal crimes.  His or her credit is ruined and he is obligated to pay the loan amount. 

• Your best protection is to NEVER submit to pressure and to ALWAYS insist on getting financial or legal advice before you commit to a contract or loan. 

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