As real property values in California are sky high and one's economic security is often dependent upon the equity in the family home, the state legislature enacted Government Code §27388 to prevent real estate fraud.

In 1996, based on this new law, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office created the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit to handle the investigation and prosecution of real estate related crimes.

While all investigations and subsequent prosecutions involve Contra Costa County real property, the crimes are not easily categorized as they involve sophisticated white collar criminals who use a myriad of schemes to steal the title or equity from a person's home.

Too often it is the elderly or the unsophisticated investor that the white collar criminal targets. In stripping an individual of their title or equity, the white collar criminal is known to:
In each of the preceding, the unsuspecting victim can lose her life savings unless she promptly alerts the authorities.

If you believe you have been victim of any type of real estate fraud, promptly call the Contra Costa County Real Estate Prosecution Unit at (925) 646-4620.