In a startling turn of events, Mark Massaro, a seasoned real estate agent, found himself the victim of an attempted property fraud. The incident, which occurred in Manchester, Connecticut, highlights the growing threat of title pirates—scammers who use forged documents to sell properties they don’t own.
Massaro’s ordeal began when he received an unexpected message from a friend who had seen his vacant land listed for sale online. The 53-year-old agent had no intention of selling the plot on Hackmatack Street, which he had purchased with plans to build a house. The listing, which was only active for two hours, was a clear attempt at title fraud.
Understanding Title Fraud
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) describes title fraud as the illegal transfer of a property’s title without the owner’s consent. Scammers, often referred to as title piratesuse fake IDs or forged documents to appear as legitimate owners. Massaro’s case is not isolated; the NAR’s survey found that 62% of such incidents involve vacant land, which often goes unmonitored.
In Massaro’s case, the fraudulent seller used a fake picture ID and a spoofed phone number that appeared to be Massaro’s. The listing was set up using a Zoom call, a red flag in the real estate industry. Despite this being his first encounter with such fraud, Massaro was quick to act. He contacted the real estate agent handling the fraudulent listing and managed to get it removed within hours.
The Growing Threat of Property Fraud
Carolyn Futtner, a real estate attorney, has dealt with several cases of vacant land scams since 2026. She noted that these scams are often easy to spot, especially when the fraudulent seller is in a rush to close the deal. In one instance, the supposed seller sent a Connecticut driver’s license with the owner’s personal information but a different picture. The photo’s clothing collar resembled standard issue garb of incarcerated individuals, raising suspicions.
The real owner of the property only learned of the fraud when they received a letter mailed to the address listed for tax bills. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and regular monitoring of property records. Many towns in Connecticut offer a Property Check service, which notifies owners of any changes to their property records, allowing them to catch fraud before it’s too late.
Notable Cases of Property Fraud in Connecticut
Connecticut has seen several high-profile cases of property fraud in recent years. In 2026, Eugene Tortorici purchased an uninhabited home along Lake Zoar in Newtown, only to discover that the seller was not the true owner. The fraudulent seller had used a name similar to the real owner’s, duping two law firms in the process. The scammer, Edwin Robert Lewis III, was eventually charged and sentenced to probation.
In 2026, the owners of Cobb’s Mill Inn in Weston found their property wrongly listed for sale. The couple learned of the listing after a friend sent them a screenshot, prompting them to take immediate action. That same year, residents of Sky Top Terrace in Fairfield discovered that a home being built on a vacant lot was the subject of a lawsuit alleging fraudulent sale. The legal owner, Dr. Daniel Kenigsberg, was shocked to find construction on his property and learned about it during a phone call from a friend.
These cases highlight the need for property owners to be proactive in protecting their assets. Regularly checking property records, signing up for notification services, and being cautious of any unusual activity can help prevent falling victim to title fraud.
