real estate fraud

[sswven]

I invested to buy a large property in California. One person (criminal?)entered escrow to buy the property and solicited people he didn't know to raise funds to buy the property. This guy did not have the ability to purchase the property, but told the seller he did, said he had a developer partner who was going to put up the money. In the meantime, he went around to average people to raise money to deposit into escrow (option money) to keep escrow open. He failed to close escrow. Seller got 2/3 of the money through escrow and says she can legally keep money. This guy kept 1/3 of the money that people gave him directly. I've been told I cannot win in civil court. But I was also told that if I file a criminal complaint against this guy, that the seller might have to return the money if the money was retained by fraudulent means (lied to investors, did not have intention to buy property - meaning opening an escrow with the appearance of it being valid, but since he knew he did not have the ability, it was fraudulent) and also because he lied to investors and violated SEC rules.

 

[mafioso]

You can definitely fight back in criminal and civil court. Don't listen to the story that you have no shot. It looks and has the ingredients of a fraudulent scam. Just get a criminal lawyer ASAP to evaluate your options. Initial consultation is usually free. So act now….. The details and circumstances you have given are not enough for you to get good legal advice here………..We need to know more………But I can tell you need a lawyer who would evaluate the case and evidence rather than count on the forum. Good luck!