Purchasing real estate is a major investment, and most buyers trust that sellers and agents are acting in good faith. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Real estate fraud can cost buyers tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when key information is concealed or deliberately misrepresented during the transaction.
At PALUMBO LAW, we represent clients throughout Rhode Island who have been defrauded during real estate transactions. If you believe you were misled or deceived in the purchase of a property, you may have legal grounds to pursue compensation or even reverse the sale. Our legal team is here to help you uncover the facts and take swift action.
What Is Real Estate Fraud?
Real estate fraud occurs when a person or entity involved in a property transaction intentionally misrepresents or conceals material facts, resulting in financial harm to another party. This type of misconduct can involve sellers, agents, brokers, appraisers, lenders, or others involved in the transaction.
Fraud can occur during the sale of residential, commercial, or investment properties, and it often involves a combination of deception, documentation errors, or the failure to disclose critical information.
Common Types of Real Estate Fraud
PALUMBO LAW handles a wide range of real estate fraud cases, including but not limited to:
Failure to Disclose Defects
Sellers are legally required to disclose known issues with the property, such as mold, water damage, structural defects, or pest infestations. Failing to do so may constitute fraud if the omission was intentional.
Misrepresentation of Property Condition
Providing false information about the square footage, boundaries, zoning status, or renovations made to the property may be actionable.
Title Fraud
This occurs when someone sells or transfers a property they do not legally own, or when forged documents are used to falsify ownership.
Appraisal or Mortgage Fraud
In some cases, an inflated appraisal or false financial representations may be used to manipulate loan approvals or property values.
Concealment of Environmental Hazards
Failing to disclose environmental risks—such as asbestos, lead paint, or soil contamination—can give rise to a fraud claim.
Forgery or Document Tampering
Altering contracts, falsifying signatures, or modifying disclosures can invalidate the transaction and expose wrongdoers to civil and criminal liability.
Legal Options for Victims of Real Estate Fraud
If you have been harmed by fraud during a property purchase, you may be entitled to several forms of legal relief. These may include:
- Rescission of the sale (reversing the transaction and returning the parties to their original positions)
- Monetary damages to compensate for repair costs, loss of property value, or other financial harm
- Punitive damages in cases of intentional misconduct
- Injunctions to stop fraudulent transactions before they’re completed
- Quiet title actions to clear fraudulent claims from the title
- Reporting fraud to state licensing boards or authorities for further action
Rhode Island law provides recourse under both contract and tort law, and in some cases, fraud may also involve violations of state consumer protection statutes.
How PALUMBO LAW Can Help
Real estate fraud cases are complex and require a deep understanding of both property and contract law. At PALUMBO LAW, we bring years of experience in Rhode Island real estate litigation to help clients expose fraud and pursue the justice they deserve.
We assist clients with:
- Case evaluation to determine whether fraud occurred and what legal remedies are available
- Evidence gathering, including reviewing disclosure forms, contracts, appraisals, inspections, and communications
- Litigation support, including filing claims in Rhode Island Superior Court and handling appeals if necessary
- Settlement negotiations with sellers, brokers, or insurers to recover damages without going to trial
- Title correction or rescission to restore legal ownership and undo fraudulent transfers
Our firm takes a thorough and strategic approach to every case, working tirelessly to protect our clients’ investments.
Act Quickly—Deadlines May Apply
If you believe you’ve been the victim of real estate fraud, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Rhode Island law imposes a 10-year statute of limitations on fraud claims, and delaying your response may limit your ability to recover damages or undo the transaction.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to gather evidence, locate documents, or obtain witness testimony. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t wait to get legal help.
Contact PALUMBO LAW for Real Estate Fraud Litigation in Rhode Island
At PALUMBO LAW, we understand how devastating real estate fraud can be. Our legal team is ready to help you fight back and protect your financial future. Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or business owner who has been misled or deceived, we can help you explore your options and pursue the best path forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you pursue a claim for real estate fraud in Rhode Island.
