Vineland, November 20, 2023 – Homeowners are being urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant as reports emerge of a disturbing scam involving false home listings on Facebook Marketplace. Recent incidents indicate that unsuspecting homeowners are being targeted by individuals falsely claiming ownership of their properties and attempting to sell them online.

In a concerning case , a Vineland homeowner reported an alarming encounter when an individual arrived at their door, asserting that their home was listed for sale on Facebook. The homeowner immediately refuted the claim, raising awareness about a woman named Gabriella Liese of Blackwood, NJ, who is allegedly stating ownership of the property on Facebook Marketplace and has posted a photo of the home.

It is crucial for homeowners to take immediate action to protect their property rights and prevent potential financial and legal repercussions. In response to this incident, the homeowner has raised concerns about the security of their deed and has specifically mentioned having a mortgage with Rocket Mortgage.

“We want to alert homeowners to this troubling scam that could potentially jeopardize their property ownership. In this digital age, scammers are finding new ways to exploit individuals, and false home listings are becoming an unfortunate reality,” said Celeste Riley, Cumberland County Clerk.

To ensure the security of property deeds and protect against fraudulent activity, homeowners are strongly encouraged to take the following steps:

  1. Verify Online Listings: Regularly check online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, for any unauthorized or false listings of your property.
  2. Contact the Authorities: If you discover any fraudulent listings or suspect that your property is being falsely represented online, contact local law enforcement immediately and file a report.

  3. Check Deed Records: Reach out to the County Clerk’s office to verify the status of your property deed. Ensure that there are no unauthorized changes or transfers.  You can also use our on-line search tool to verify information on your own at  www.ccclerknj.com/

  4. Communicate with Your Mortgage Provider: If you have a mortgage on your property, inform your mortgage provider, in this case, Rocket Mortgage, about the potential scam. They may be able to provide guidance and additional security measures.

  5. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about common scams and fraud tactics. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing falling victim to such schemes.

Homeowners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. It is essential to work collectively to combat these scams and protect the sanctity of property ownership.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, please contact the Cumberland County Clerk’s Office at 856-453-4860.