Cops Continue Efforts In Probes Targeting Scammers Hijacking Possession Of Vacant Homes In Foreclosure & Renting Them Out To Unwitting Tenants

In Pearland, Texas, The Pearland Journal reports:

• For one couple hoping to find an affordable place to live, paying $900 rent each month for a 5,000 square-foot home in Shadow Creek Ranch seemed a dream come true. Months later after they moved in, made numerous repairs and spent weekends painting and decorating the house, the couple discovered they had been taken in by a sophisticated real estate scam.
  
  In recent months, Pearland Police detectives have uncovered several cases involving the same real estate scheme. In addition, investigators in Fort Bend County and League City are also investigating similar incidents. Detectives say there may be even more residents taken in by the scams. Police officials are now reaching out to community to identify other potential victims
  
  Detectives say in each case so far, lease agreements were arranged by “Homeowner Solutions,” a company that reportedly specialized in finding rental properties for those not able to qualify for a regular lease arrangement.
  
  Sugar Land-resident Kenneth Upchurch has been identified by police as the suspected business owner. According to police officials, Upchurch put his plan in motion by allegedly tracking down vacant homes in the process of foreclosure. After changing the locks and making sure the property was clean, Upchurch would find potential renters via Craig’s list or through word-of-mouth advertising.
  
  To cover his track with new renters, Upchurch allegedly refused to accept personal checks and instead required money orders that had to be mailed to a P.O. Box. Victims were also reportedly not given contracts. Instead, Upchurch allegedly gave customers only unsigned documents outlining the lease terms by mail.
  
  Police say the plan went on without a snag for several months in each case; that is until the real homeowners showed up and discovered uninvited strangers had taken up residence and called police.
  
  In the most recent case, detectives say the victims were cheated out of monies paid in rent plus their deposit. The couple was asked to move out as soon as the upset homeowners arrived.
  
  Police officials said no charges have been filed against Upchurch although he is currently considered a suspect in the case. Anyone with information related to the case or those who may think they may have been victimized are urged to call Pearland Police Det. DeSpain at 281-997-4231.

Source: Pearland detectives investigating rental property scam.