Denver Cops Pinch One, Look For Another In Title-Snatching Scam Targeting Vacant Homes In Foreclosure, Victimizing Unsuspecting Buyers, Renters

In Denver, Colorado, KMGH-TV Channel 7 reports:

• A man accused of selling and renting homes he didn’t own was formally charged Monday. Alfonso Carrillo was accused of victimizing unsuspecting renters and buyers who are primarily Spanish-speaking.



• He was charged with multiple counts of theft, forgery and offering a false instrument for recording -- all felonies.



• Carriollo is accused of filing phony deeds on houses vacated through foreclosure, then gaining access and posing as the owner. The charges allege he took thousands of dollars in payments from unsuspecting potential home buyers and then gave them fraudulent deeds to properties.



• The actual property owners were unaware the property had been "sold." The charges also allege that he targeted Spanish-speaking home buyers, often undocumented, who may be reluctant to work with law enforcement, out of fear.



• Rudy Breda, 53, is also wanted in connection with the scam, accused of recording phony deeds with the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office. He is not in custody. Carrillo is scheduled to appear in Denver District Court on Jan. 6, 2012, for arraignment.



• The investigation is continuing and there is concern that there may be additional victims, the District Attorney's Office said.

Source: Man Charged In Real Estate, Rental Scam (Second Man At Large).