Gulf Atlantic Land America Title Company
Ripoff, Falsification of documents, forgery, theft, conspiracy to defraud

Paperwork for a closing on one of our rental properties was signed, but the buyer couldn't close for a second time. A second extension was agreed upon for $2000. To extend a second 10 days, the contract expired without this extension being signed. This was the second time they couldn't close on time. The first time they offered $1500. To cover additional expenses and inconvenience to extend 10 days, this amount was included in the seller's side on the documents that we signed.

Then 10 days later, when the buyer was able to close, the previously signed paperwork was changed by Gulf Atlantic Land America Title Company to the buyer's specifications, without our knowledge or approval and our signature was attached to it, the dates changed by hand, and the documents recorded as if we had signed them. Neither us, nor our real estate agent was informed of the closing or the changes to the documents.

The first $1500. For the first extension was removed and placed in an escrow account for the buyer with us now having to account for the expenses, when we accounted for them we were not given the $1500. Also the rent deposits of the tenants were removed from the closing statement no longer giving us proof of payment. This was done so the buyer could claim that this was to be his residence, not a rental, since he wouldn't qualify for the loan on a rental property. So now we are involved in facilitating a Federal Felony, mortgage fraud. The $2000. For the second extension was not given, the extension was not signed and the property was closed without a duly executed contract.

Title companies in the State of Florida are not regulated whatsoever as long as the title insurance part is done correctly. We have contacted the company, after 25 calls and no response, we contacted the police assuming it was illegal to forge someone's signature and falsify documents, they can't do anything. We contacted the State of Florida's Prosecutors Office, they have no jurisdiction. We contacted the State Dept of Finance, who oversees the Title Insurance, it's not their problem either but they're not happy with the forged signature. We contacted the Attorney General of the State of Florida, they referred us back to the Department of Finance.

We have now hired an attorney to try to recover our money. Also the buyer now will not refund the tenant's rent deposits, they now say we never gave the deposits to them.

If you buy property in Florida, get your own attorney, don't use a title company, the documents you sign might not be what they record!

Company: Gulf Atlantic Land America Title Company
Country: USA
State: Florida
City: Merritt Island
Address: 925 N Courtney Prkwy
Phone: 3214523600

  <     >