Thank you SO much for posting this!  So how did you find out that this deal was fraudulent.. did the check not clear?  I have a client right now in Kona, Hawaii, same situation with Mr. Green Sound as the stock broker, and a $150,000 check on a $550k house in cash - interestingly, he made it out to the wrong escrow company and had to be re-cut, but it's being sent now.. why would they tie up their money in escrow like that?  They sent more than was required on the contract, so I'm going to try and call the full amount forward and see what happens.. thanks again for posting!  Blessings from Hawaii anyway!  *:D

You have to know it when it's too good to be true; so that's why i'm searching out the the names and numbers i've been given.  Some of the comments above are similar to what I've been dealing with the past 2 days.  We've submitted a cash offer contract (575k home) and we've been waiting for the 5000 earnest money check to arrive to title. We asked them to wire it but he said he couldn't and will overnight check today.  They sent over letter of proof of funds which had an account balance of at least $3m. Property is site unseen, making a 575k cash offer... only communication via email. Is this too good to be true?

Same game, different names. Now it's "Wang Tao" and the number is for his attorney, Edward Brown.

Sigh...

Glad I googled the phone number. It just didn't sit well and the name attached was Otake Iwao and why would he have to tell me he is of Japanese origin!! Usually if it flares my nostrils something really stinks..Thankfuly my business is doing great . I sure  don't need to go on wild goose chase.

"Got an email from Otake Iwao claiming to want to buy property anywhere in SC.  I sent him some listing to look at and in 5 minutes he picked one and wanted to buy it unseen and wanted a bunch of information on where his deposit would be deposited.  He had an account manager and said he wanted funds available before he arrived in 4 weeks."

I received the same email on May 27. I am a Realtor as well.

Definitely a SCAM! Watch out!