{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Government-Looking Scams in Florida: DMV Texts, Deed Fraud Alerts, Squatters, Title Fraud & Homestead Penalties","description":"Scammers are getting way too good at making texts, letters, and \u201cofficial notices\u201d look legitimate, and Floridians are paying the price. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, Katrina Madewell sits down with Mike Fasano and Tim Coet to break down the most common government-looking scams hitting our community right now, and what to do to protect yourself. We start with a real-world example: a scary \u201cFlorida DMV\u201d text that claims you have an outstanding traffic fine, threatens license\/registration suspension, and pushes you to click a sketchy link (spoiler: it\u2019s not Florida). From there, we unpack the scams we see repeatedly in real estate and public records like \u201cpay for your deed\u201d mailers, fraudulent deed transfers, rental scams tied to vacant homes, and the rise of title and property fraud. You\u2019ll also learn about a free tool you can use to protect yourself: signing up for fraud alerts through your county Clerk of Court so you\u2019re notified if anything gets recorded in your name. We also cover why homestead fraud penalties are no joke (back taxes, major penalties, and interest), and practical reminders around driver\u2019s license and insurance issues that can trigger real suspensions plus how to check your status the right way. If you live in Tampa Bay (or anywhere in Florida), this episode is a must-listen to help you stay one step ahead of the scammers. Need real estate help? Call or text 813-377-2775. Katrina Madewell, Love where you live, or we\u2019ll fix it. ","author_name":"Tampa Home Talk Radio","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/88548\/site","html":"