Miami Woman Charged With Defrauding Man of $1.6M in Fake Real Estate Scam

When you trust someone with your financial future, it’s easy to believe they have your best interests at heart. But what happens when that trust is betrayed in a way that costs you everything?

This is exactly what happened to a 60-year-old man in Miami-Dade County, who thought he was working with a reputable real estate professional. Ybis Del Carmen, a woman he’d known for years, promised to help him invest in six foreclosure properties. The total value of those properties?

Around $842,000. But little did he know, he was about to become a victim of a carefully crafted scam that would drain him of $1.6 million.

Del Carmen, a real estate agent from Realty Golden Group, gained the man’s trust by offering what seemed like a golden opportunity. She convinced him to give her full access to his Truist Bank account, claiming she needed it to complete the deals. Trusting her with his financial information, he believed everything was in order.

However, when investigators followed the trail, they found something startling: The property owners Del Carmen claimed to be working with had no idea who she was. The contracts, property documents, and mortgage transactions she presented were nothing more than elaborate forgeries. The six properties weren’t for sale at all. Del Carmen had fabricated everything to cover up the fraud.

You can imagine how devastating this must have been for the victim. He had placed his trust in someone who promised to guide him through a sound investment. Instead, he was left empty-handed, his finances shattered, and his trust in people crushed. This wasn’t just a scam—it was a betrayal of the worst kind.

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The Truth Behind the Transactions: Fraudulent Documents and Contracts

Here’s where it gets tricky. Del Carmen didn’t just tell lies—she created a false reality with forged documents that made everything look legitimate. The contracts, mortgage papers, and property documents she showed the victim seemed like the real deal.

But when investigators dug into the situation, they found something shocking: The property owners of the six locations had no idea who Del Carmen was. She had fabricated everything. The properties weren’t for sale, and no deals had ever taken place.

This is where you have to learn a tough but important lesson: Scammers are experts at creating fake documents that look real. You might think everything is in order just because a document looks official, but this case proves that appearances can be deceiving.

Whenever you’re dealing with a real estate transaction, it’s critical to verify documents with multiple sources. Don’t just trust the person who hands them to you. Take the time to make sure everything checks out.

Have you ever encountered suspicious real estate deals or heard about scams like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s talk about how we can all protect ourselves from fraud in the real estate market.

Arrest and Legal Consequences: What Happens Next?

After the fraud came to light, Del Carmen was arrested. She was charged with organized fraud and grand theft, accused of stealing a massive $1.655 million from the victim. According to Detective Michael Pascual’s investigation, Del Carmen used the stolen funds for personal reasons.

Local 10 reported that after her arrest, Del Carmen was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The judge ordered her to prove that criminal proceeds weren’t used for her bail. This highlights just how serious this crime is—and how high the stakes are when it comes to fraud.

When you’re faced with such a massive loss, it’s easy to feel like justice won’t be served. But this case shows that the law does take financial fraud seriously, and those who commit these crimes will eventually face consequences.

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The Bigger Picture: Real Estate Investment Scams in Miami

This case isn’t just about one person getting scammed—it’s part of a much larger issue. Real estate scams are becoming more common, especially in high-demand markets like Miami. People are always looking for the next big opportunity, and scammers are ready to exploit that desire.

Miami-Dade County has seen a rise in these kinds of scams, with fraudsters preying on individuals looking to invest in properties they believe are legitimate. Whether it’s fake foreclosure deals, misrepresented properties, or falsified documents, the tactics remain the same: tricking you into handing over your money.

I’m sure you’ve heard of these scams happening, or maybe you’ve even been approached by someone offering you what seems like an incredible deal. That’s exactly how scammers get people hooked. They offer something that sounds too good to be true—and it usually is.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? One of the first steps is to be skeptical. Real estate investments are often high-stakes, and scammers know how to make them sound irresistible. But trust me, it’s important to do your research. Verify the details, consult with professionals, and don’t let anyone pressure you into a deal before you’ve done your due diligence.

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Key Takeaways: How to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams

Now that you know what happened to the victim in this case, it’s time to focus on how you can protect yourself from falling into a similar trap.

1. Verify Everything: Never trust a document without verifying it with the appropriate authorities. Check property titles and ownership records with local agencies.
2. Use a Real Estate Attorney: If you’re not familiar with the legal jargon, get an attorney involved. They can help you navigate contracts and spot any inconsistencies.
3. Check Property Listings: If someone is offering you a deal on a property, make sure it’s listed publicly. Scammers often create fake listings to lure you in.
4. Ask for References: If you’re dealing with a real estate professional, ask for references. A legitimate agent should have no problem providing past client reviews.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore those gut feelings. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

These are steps you can take right now to protect yourself. Remember, scams can happen to anyone, but if you’re vigilant and do your homework, you can avoid falling victim.

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Conclusion

Del Carmen’s scam is a painful reminder of how easily trust can be exploited. But it’s also a valuable lesson in vigilance. No matter how trustworthy someone seems, you need to do your due diligence before making big investments.

This isn’t just about one case—it’s about the broader issue of scams in real estate, which continue to harm innocent people. By following the steps I’ve outlined, you can protect yourself and avoid making the same mistakes.

Have you ever been approached with a suspicious real estate deal? Or maybe you’ve learned something new today that will help you in the future? Share your thoughts with me in the comments. Let’s learn together and stay safe in the world of real estate investments.

For more insights into real estate trends, scams, and tips on protecting your investments, check out our latest articles on our website. Stay ahead with the best information on property deals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a professional before making real estate investments. The details presented are based on available information and may be subject to change.