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Updated over 4 years ago, 08/26/2020
Got scammed by a BP member, what should I do?
Hi
I'm a new investor in NC area. I posted that I'm looking for RE in NC in BP forums. A few people contacted me and started sending me emails about new properties. I recently liked one of them, went to see it with that guy (turned out that guy was a seller's agent). I liked the property and made an offer. He did not agree to have a buyer's agent and said that I would have to pay him myself if I wanted my agent in. I agreed and made an offer through him (seller's agent). My offer got accepted. He rushed me to make the wire transfer of $5000 down payment on property and sign the contract. It was a weekday noon. I made the wire transfer to his company and told him that I'm in meetings until 4 pm and I will review the contract document afterwards, sign and send it back. When I started reading the document, I found multiple things that were not communicated with me before, so I told him to add the addendums for the things we agreed on. He refused to do so stating that it is the standard state document. I told him, I need to review the document with my attorney before signing because he is lying and the format he sent me is not a standard state document, rather it was written for his company. As a reply, he said, he will go with another buyer and not me. I said ok, and asked him to return my deposit. He said ok. Its been a week now and he's not responding to my calls and text messages. I have not received my money back.
My question is, should I contact an RE attorney and take legal action? What should be the next steps on my end to get my money back. It looks like a scam to me. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
SS