Author: Danielle Antosz

An elderly Missoula woman lost nearly $1 million in an elaborate scam involving a fake Amazon support person, the “Social Security Department,” a supposed U.S. Marshal and in-person pickups from her front door, reports the Sacramento Bee.

The woman, who was not named, said the scam started with a phone call from a person claiming to be from Amazon who asked her if she’d purchased computer equipment. The scam ended with a “ruse” that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Zabi Ullah Mohammed, who lives in New Jersey.

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According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, Mohammed has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least three years of supervised release.

How did the scam unfold?

According to the Attorney’s Office, the fraud began when the woman received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon’s fraud department. The caller asked if she’d recently purchased computer equipment. When she said no, the caller transferred her to someone claiming to be from Social Security.

That person told her she was the victim of identity theft and that her information had been linked to a money laundering investigation. To keep her funds safe, she was connected to someone identifying himself as U.S. Marshal “Carlos Silva,” who told her to withdraw all her funds so they could be “legalized.” She was assured the funds would be returned.

Between April 2 and April 18, she handed over more than $900,000 in cash and gold bars to individuals who came to her home, believing authorities would safely hold her money. Only later did she realize she’d been scammed.

The woman contacted sheriff’s deputies and agreed to participate in a sting operation. On May 12, she told “Silva” that she had $57,000 ready for pickup. When the supposed agent sent a driver, she handed him a box containing a hidden tracking device instead of cash.

That driver — later identified as Mohammed — took the box, drove to a nearby restaurant and left it in the parking lot. Investigators believe he discovered the tracker. He was soon pulled over by law enforcement and, during questioning, claimed he was simply an Uber driver doing pickups for other people, reports the Sacramento Bee.

In a statement to the media, an Amazon representative said:

“Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk. We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance," adding. "We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe.”

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How to protect yourself from Amazon scams

Amazon reported a 71% increase in phone-based scams in the UK between February and March 2025, making it crucial to spot these scams and protect your identity, finances and loved ones. Common Amazon scams include:

• Fake order confirmation emails. You may receive a message about a purchase you never made, often accompanied by a link to “cancel” the order, which leads you to a phishing site.

• Requests to change your payment method. Fraudsters may impersonate Amazon support and claim there’s a billing issue that needs to be resolved. This is an effort to gain access to credit, debit or bank account information.

• Fake tech support pop-ups. These may appear while browsing and urge you to call “Amazon support” immediately. These generally lead to requests for money, gold or gift cards.

• Membership scams. Scammers call, saying your Prime membership is about to expire and claim you’ll face a hefty fee if you don’t respond quickly.

• Account suspension. You may receive a text or email saying your Amazon account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. You may be prompted to share login information.

• Delivery driver scams. A phishing scam where the original text or email is about a supposed Amazon delivery. It may trick you into providing your login information.

• Fake job listings. These typically begin with a message (often via text) offering a job with unrealistic pay. Then, they direct you to a third-party site that requests personal information. They may also request prepayment through crypto or gift cards.

Amazon recommends never giving out personal or payment information over the phone. Even if your caller ID displays "Amazon," it could be a fake number. If you receive a text or email, never click the links; always go to Amazon.com or your Amazon app to log in and check your orders.

If you think you’ve been scammed, visit Amazon’s Customer Service page to report it. You should also consider contacting local law enforcement.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Tamia Sims-Irby says she was pistol-whipped and stabbed while being robbed in Atlanta back in 2022. She was 18 years old at the time. Today, at 21, she says the physical wounds have mostly healed — but she’s still fighting to get back the $20,000 that was stolen from her.

“It’s definitely a nightmare,” she told Fox Carolina in a story published May 20. “I’ve been dealing with this for three years.”

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According to the local broadcaster, that money is sitting in a police evidence locker — not in Georgia, where the crime happened, but in Greenville, South Carolina, where the suspects were later arrested. Despite a guilty plea from one of the men, Sims-Irby says the Greenville Police Department still hasn’t returned her money. Now, she’s filed a civil lawsuit to get it back.

Caught in legal limbo?

The Atlanta Black Star, reports that court records state Sims-Irby and a female friend drove from Greenville to Atlanta to work at a strip club, which is apparently how she gained the large sum of cash. The two women later met with four male acquaintances, who also drove in from Greenville, at a hotel parking lot. That’s when the robbery occurred.

Greenville police arrested one of the men, Tyjailon Smith, who had the money in his possession, reports the Black Star. He was extradited to Georgia and in 2023 pleaded guilty to theft by taking. According to the lawsuit obtained by the Black Star, he admitted in court the money belonged to Sims-Irby.

So why hasn’t she gotten it back? Sims-Irby told Fox Carolina she’s spent years demanding answers from the Greenville Police Department with little results.

“All they’re doing is sending me out with a little card and phone numbers on the back,” she said. “I’m calling and it’s hard to reach out and I have to wait days later to get a phone call.”

But the case may not be as simple as it seems.

“It’s a unique case,” Fox Carolina’s legal analyst Grant Varner said. “The city of Greenville has an issue. Who do they return this cash to, and how do they get it back in the hands of the rightful owner? That’s difficult to determine, and certainly the city doesn’t want to be liable if they give the money back to Ms. Sims-Irby only for a couple of weeks later that someone comes along and says ‘that’s my money and I can prove it.’”

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Another open question is why the money is in Greenville PD’s custody in the first place. The suspects were arrested in Greenville, but sent back to Atlanta to face charges.

“It’s possible Georgia said, ‘we don’t need it as evidence in the case,’” Varner explained. “But it could be the old colloquial ‘hot potato’ — where nobody wants to deal with it, there’s too many questions, and it’s somebody else’s problem.”

Despite the legal questions, Sims-Irby says she’s not backing down.

“I’m not going to stop until I get my money because I don’t feel like I should be funding a police department,” she said.

Fox Carolina says it reached out to the Greenville police, but the agency declined to comment due to the lawsuit.

What to do if police are holding your property

Civil forfeiture is a tool used by law enforcement to seize assets they suspect to be tied to criminal activity. Proponents say it’s an effective way to cut off criminals’ resources, while critics argue it can leave innocents empty-handed. There’s no indication in the reporting of Sims-Irby’s case the police have tried to formally keep the money under forfeiture laws. But under the circumstances, she felt her best option was to file a lawsuit.

If you believe law enforcement is improperly holding your property, here’s what you can do:

• Ask for documentation: Request written confirmation of why your property is being held.
• Check court records: Find out if a forfeiture petition has been filed. If it has, you may have no legal recourse.
• Hire an attorney: Especially if the value is high, a civil lawsuit may be your only path to recovery.
• Know your rights: Timelines and procedures for returning property may vary by state.

As for Sims-Irby, the next step may be a court hearing. The lawsuit was filed on April 23 and Greenville police were served on May 13. They had 30 days to reply, however, in a follow-up report on June 26, Fox Carolina says online court records do not indicate police have responded.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

For a recent high school graduate in Lake County, Illinois, the arrival of a taco truck was supposed to be the highlight of her graduation party. But the truck her mom paid nearly $400 for never showed up.

Now, the family wants to share their story to help others avoid falling for the same scam.

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"Because other families are going to have parties, and I didn’t want any other child to be disappointed like my daughter was," Kim Koukal told CBS News.

After discovering that others had similar experiences, she decided to speak out so more parties wouldn’t be ruined.

What did an investigation into the food truck find?

Koukal told CBS News that she used Facebook to find a food vendor for her daughter’s party. She was contacted by a man named Arnold Vallejo, who claimed to run Arnold’s Taco Truck.

She signed a contract and sent him $390 for a deposit via Zelle, about half of what the service was expected to cost. But as the party date approached, communication slowed. And her final call to confirm the event was never returned.

"Nothing. And then the afternoon, nothing, and the evening, nothing," Koukal said, "and then I started to get sick to my stomach. I could not sleep."

CBS News Chicago was able to reach the food vendor by phone. He said he’d been hospitalized, which is why he missed the party, and promised to refund her $390 deposit. But reporters found other customers had similar issues dating back years.

In 2022, another customer filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, claiming the truck never showed up and Vallejo didn’t communicate or provide any food.

Vallejo denied that the BBB report was about his business, but the contact details matched photos from his Facebook page. Koukal also said she spoke with other Facebook users who said that Vallejo had ghosted them too.

Despite the disappointment, Koukal’s daughter and her friends refused to let the scam ruin their celebration. Koukal added more appetizers, and one of her daughter’s friends found a silver lining.

"It goes down in history, a little story now," said recent graduate Lily Loos. "But I honestly think [if] you didn’t know there was supposed to be a taco truck, you probably wouldn’t have known."

As of June 30, Koukal still hadn’t received a refund, according to CBS.

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How to avoid falling for a scam

If you’re hiring a food truck or vendor, take precautions to avoid getting burned:

• Research thoroughly: Look for reviews on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Ask neighbors or check local social media groups to see if anyone’s worked with them.
• Don’t rely on social media alone: Vendors that only advertise platforms like TikTok or Facebook could be based anywhere. Make sure they have a professional website or other local presence.
• Use secure payment methods: Avoid large deposits via Zelle, Cash App or other peer-to-peer platforms, which offer little fraud protection. Use a credit card or PayPal (not “friends and family”) for added security.
• Get it in writing: Always have a contract that outlines services, pricing and cancellation terms. It can help you if you need to take legal action.
• Confirm the time and date: In the days leading up to the event, check regularly to ensure you’re on the same page. If communication stops, that’s a major red flag.

If a vendor takes your money and doesn’t show up, start by requesting a refund in writing. Include your contract and proof of payment. If you don’t get a response, report the incident to the police and your state’s consumer protection office. Also consider posting honest reviews on social media, Google and Yelp to warn others.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Paul Schendel, a 52-year-old father of three from Houston, died of a heart attack just one day after Wells Fargo told him he likely wouldn’t get back the $6,800 he lost in a scam.

According to his sister, Karen Schendel, Paul was disabled from a back injury and had long struggled with serious health issues, including complications from diabetes. But Karen believes the sudden loss of his life savings and the hopelessness that followed pushed him over the edge.

“I have no doubt it contributed,” she told FOX 26 Houston.

Paul was one of several recent victims of an increasingly sophisticated bank impersonation scam. His family now hopes others will recognize the warning signs.

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How the scam played out

The scam started when Paul received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Wells Fargo. The caller already knew information about his account and warned of fraudulent activity. Later, a woman showed up at his front door. Paul handed over his card, watched her cut it up, and take the pieces with her.

But when Paul went to a Wells Fargo branch the next day to request a new card, he learned it had all been a scam. They bank told him they don’t call customers, and that it was unlikely he’d be reimbursed — his life savings were gone. He suffered a heart attack and died the following day.

Paul’s case is one of at least three similar scams recently reported on by FOX 26 Houston involving fraudsters impersonating Wells Fargo employees and visiting victims at their homes.

Scams like the one Paul experienced are on the rise across the U.S., and they often feel terrifyingly legitimate. According to the FDIC, bank impersonation scams increased twentyfold between 2019 and 2022. Scammers spoof phone numbers, provide private account details, and may even send people in person to collect cards or payments. Victims aren’t just losing money; they’re often left feeling ashamed, anxious and overwhelmed.

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How to cope after losing money to a scam

Losing a large sum of money can be devastating, especially when you’re already dealing with chronic illness or limited resources. Financial stress has even been linked to high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and in extreme cases, cardiac events.

While nothing can undo a scam once it has happened, it is possible to protect your mental health in its aftermath. If you’ve lost money to fraud, these steps may help:

• Talk to someone you trust: Whether it’s a family member, a therapist or a support group, don’t suffer in silence.
• Contact your bank and the FTC: Even if recovery seems unlikely, reporting the fraud may help others and initiate the claims process.
• Focus on small wins: Creating a plan, even one as simple as updating passwords or setting up a new savings goal, can help restore a sense of control.
• Don’t blame yourself: Scams are designed to fool even the smartest people. This wasn’t your fault.
• Get smart: Learn the signs and common strategies fraudsters use so you don’t fall victim again. *

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), common signs of a financial scam include someone pretending to be from an institution you trust, like your bank or the Social Security Administration who:

• Insists there’s a problem, such as a fraud alert or back taxes
• Pressures you to act quickly
• Tells you how to pay, often with unusual payment methods, like crypto or a gift card.

Paul Schendel’s story is heartbreaking and, sadly, not unique. As bank scams grow more convincing, awareness may be the only real defense. If something feels off, it probably is. And if you’ve been scammed, know that help is available for your finances and your health.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A reduction in tourism in Las Vegas is hitting small businesses hard.

The owner of Naked City Pizza, a popular local joint twice featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, says he’s seen a significant drop in business lately.

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"It is just a lot less tourists in town and a lot less business," Christopher Palmeri told News 3 Las Vegas in a story published June 27.

On a recent Monday, Palmeri stated that he filled only seven orders — a significant decline from the typical 60 to 80 pizzas his shop would normally sell.

Naked City Pizza isn’t the only local business suffering.

Drop in tourism

Visitor numbers fell 6.5% in May compared to last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Hotel occupancy also declined 3.1% year over year.

"We’ve made great efforts relative to economic diversification, but we’re still more dependent on travel and tourism than any other major market in the U.S.," Jeremy Aguero, principal analyst at Applied Analysis, told News 3 Las Vegas.

The problem extends beyond Las Vegas. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to fall to just under $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024. That’s a loss of $12.5 billion in a single year.

"The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, not because of a lack of demand, but because of a failure to act," WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said in a news release. "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

In fact, the U.S. is the only country among the 184 economies analyzed by the WTTC forecasted to experience a drop in international spending this year.

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Weathering the storm

For small businesses like Naked City Pizza, fewer tourists can mean a direct hit on revenue. That’s especially true for establishments in tourism-dependent cities like Las Vegas. But there are steps business owners can take to soften the blow.

Strengthen local customer engagement: Run promotions aimed at locals like loyalty cards or neighborhood discounts. Consider partnering with schools or charity groups for fundraisers.

Partner with adjacent businesses or events: Ask if your to-go menu can be left at the front desk. Offer packages, special menus or cross-promotions that entice visitors to stop by.

Get good at marketing: Maximize your online presence by joining local review sites and social media. Visitors may check your business on Google, Yelp and Instagram. Consider whether paid ads make sense for your business.

Look for ways to diversify your revenue streams: Consider delivery, catering or selling branded merch. If your goods ship well, consider offering options for customers outside of your city.

Finding ways to adapt now could be key to surviving long-term.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A massive sinkhole that opened up in Ventura, California, has damaged several vehicles, forced officials to red-tag a nearby property and left residents questioning the safety of local construction sites.

The 25-foot hole appeared in late May near Thompson Boulevard and East Front Street at a construction site for a new apartment complex. While it initially looked like a natural sinkhole, city officials later said it was caused by a "shoring failure" — when a part of the support system buckles under nearby weight.

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An Instagram post by the community group Ventura Forward suggested that a combination of infrastructure overload and aggressive water pumping may have caused the damage.

“A water well was discovered during construction and the digging didn’t stop,” the Instagram post read. “Massive amounts of water have been pumped off location since construction started weeks ago.”

Are residents in danger?

Photos and aerial footage from the scene showed two pickup trucks on fractured pavement, both sinking into the hole. Another vehicle appeared to teeter on the edge, and a nearby storage unit was at risk as a fence warped under the stress.

No injuries were reported, and officials say nearby homes are not in immediate danger. Still, the incident has left residents on edge.

“They didn’t shore up the foundation, and they dug a hole and it collapsed. Dumb,” Ventura resident Woody Maxwell told KTLA. “Considering the stuff they can fix, I’m sure they can fix this. It’s just going to cost time and money.”

The adjacent property has been red-tagged, which means it’s unsafe and uninhabitable until further notice.

"City staff are working closely with construction engineers to evaluate the situation and determine appropriate repairs and potential temporary measures to prevent further damage,” city officials said in a statement. “There is no current threat to life safety, and the City is committed to keeping as many businesses open and operational as possible during this time."

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What are your options if this happens to you?

In California, if your vehicle or property is damaged by a construction-related failure, such as an improperly supported foundation, you may be able to take legal action or file an insurance claim. Here’s what to consider:

Sue for negligence

If a contractor ignored building codes, skipped safety protocols or caused preventable damage, you may have grounds for a negligence lawsuit. Under California law, property owners can seek compensation for:

• Property damage
• Loss of use
• Repair or replacement costs
• Diminished property value

To succeed, you’ll need to show the contractor had a duty of care, breached that duty and caused the damage. A construction defect attorney can help gather evidence and file a claim.

File an insurance claim

If you have homeowners or commercial property insurance, your policy may cover damage from ground movement. But some policies exclude damage from earth movement or man-made excavation collapse. Check the fine print.

Auto insurance may cover parked vehicle damage, depending on whether you have comprehensive coverage. If the construction company is found liable, your insurer may seek reimbursement through a process called subrogation.

Filing an insurance claim is usually faster than taking legal action, but a lawsuit might recover more, especially for uncovered losses.

Which path is better?

Insurance is a good first step for fast recovery, especially if you need immediate repairs. Legal action might be necessary if your insurer denies the claim, the damages exceed your coverage or you want to hold someone accountable.

Whichever route you take, document everything:

• Take photos of the damage
• Gather witness statements
• Save repair estimates and receipts
• Request red-tag documentation from the city

Being thorough helps strengthen both insurance claims and legal cases.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Residents at Harmony Senior Apartments in Las Vegas say they were effectively trapped in their homes for more than a week after the only working elevator in one of the buildings broke down. Many use walkers or wheelchairs and say that without the elevator, it’s impossible to manage basic daily tasks.

“This is our lifeline for people like myself who are wheelchair-bound,” resident Michael Strickland told KLAS. “It’s a senior community, and we have so many people in this building who are mobility-impaired.”

What options do these residents have? Here are the legal options if you or someone you love faces similar issues.

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The elevator issues have been going on for months, residents say

Some residents told 8 News Now that the broken elevator has made it difficult to complete day-to-day activities like picking up groceries, doing laundry or making it to medical appointments.

Nancy Smith, who lives on the top floor, said she had to cancel physical therapy. “I’ve got my mobility issue with my hip,” she explained.

Smith says even when she has groceries delivered to the apartment complex, she can’t get down to the ground floor to pick them up. She was told maintenance could not assist her.

Harmony Senior Apartments residents say this isn’t the first time. Strickland told reporters the elevator has gone out multiple times since he moved in. After calling the apartment management to complain, he was advised not to use the elevator, even after it began operating again.

“Yes, it is working, but they say don’t use it because it’s not safe,” he said. "You could get trapped."

While a technician was seen working on the elevator during a KLAS site visit, property management declined to comment on the outage or timeline for repairs.

Senior residents like Smith and Strickland aren’t facing a simple inconvenience — the lack of elevator access is life-altering. In addition to missing critical medical appointments, residents are unable to pick up their food deliveries, access the outdoors or escape the building if a fire or other dangerous situation arises.

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What to do if you face a similar issue

Under the Nevada building code, multifamily residential buildings must comply with accessibility standards set by Chapter 11 of the International Building Code. That includes maintaining an accessible route, such as a working elevator, for residents with disabilities.

Tenants also have protections under federal law. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations to residents with disabilities, including ensuring they can enter and exit their homes safely. If that route becomes inaccessible, landlords must act swiftly to resolve the issue or provide an alternative.

If you’re dealing with a similar problem:

• Document everything: Take photos, save emails, and keep a written log of issues and attempts to get help.
• Submit a formal complaint to management: Put requests in writing and ask for a timeline on repairs.
• Call your local code enforcement or housing authority: In Las Vegas, this may include the Building & Safety Department or the Office of Fair Housing.
• File a complaint with HUD: If management fails to provide a reasonable accommodation, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Seek legal aid: Local nonprofits or legal clinics may be able to assist tenants facing unsafe or inaccessible conditions.

For residents like Strickland and Smith, a working elevator isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, don’t wait for management to act.

Call your local code enforcement, file a formal complaint with HUD, and if people are physically unable to exit the building, consider contacting the fire department. They can perform wellness checks and, in some cases, push for management to take emergency actions.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The owner of a commercial building in Huntington Park, California, says she’s been battling squatters for years — and she’s had enough.

Dr. Tahani Soliman, who owns an office near Rugby and Slauson avenues, says trespassers have repeatedly caused fires, stolen utilities and stripped rooftop air conditioning units. Despite spending thousands on repairs and security, she says local authorities have done little to help.

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“It’s misery,” Soliman told KTLA 5. “I don’t deserve that.”

Gaby Rodriguez, who works with Soliman, said the most recent incident involved a fire set by squatters living on the roof of the adjacent building. Fire crews put it out, but she said it’s just the latest in a string of dangerous episodes.

In 2023, firefighters responded to another rooftop fire at the vacant parking structure next door. They found people living in tents, allegedly tapping into Soliman’s electricity and water.

Squatters keep coming back

Soliman said she’s tried again and again to secure the property. She’s put up fencing to block access from the neighboring roof, added barbed wire and even caged her AC units. But each time, she said, squatters tear it all down.

“We ended up putting a fence up — they pulled that down. Then we caged our AC units — they took that down, too,” Rodriguez told KTLA 5.

The trespassers have reportedly stripped rooftop equipment for parts and left behind damage that Soliman said has cost her nearly $100,000. She’s had to replace the entire roof and is even considering early retirement to save money.

Soliman said she’s contacted police and city officials several times, but received little support.

“I told them we have a building here empty, breeding homeless, do something about it,” Soliman said. “[The city said] ‘Oh, we’ll see, we’ll see.’”

KTLA 5 reports that the City of Huntington Park said it would look into the matter, but so far no action has been confirmed.

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A growing issue across California

Cases like Soliman’s are increasingly common across California, where housing insecurity and homelessness have reached crisis levels. A growing number of tenants have reportedly stopped paying rent and transitioned into squatters — a situation that leaves property owners stuck in legal limbo.

“The squatter problem isn’t getting better here,” Alex Capozzolo of SD House Guys told CBS 4. “We’ve had multiple rental properties have tenants stop paying and start squatting. It’s not always easy getting them out.”

Capozzolo estimated that California landlords typically spend between $5,000 and $12,000 in legal fees just to begin the eviction process.

Despite the cost, California law makes it difficult for property owners to remove squatters quickly — even in cases involving damage or safety risks.

A recent bill, AB 897, would have required squatters to show documentation proving their right to occupy a property. It was pulled following opposition.

According to The Center Square, opponents feared the bill could criminalize homelessness or wrongful evictions, though supporters argued it would protect landlords from dangerous situations like Soliman’s.

“Rather than addressing the root causes of our state’s housing crisis, AB 897 would accelerate pathways into homelessness,” said Housing California. “Landlords and tenants currently have access to civil eviction processes designed to address unauthorized occupancy.”

Under current law, squatters can sometimes establish legal occupancy if the owner doesn’t act fast — especially in places like Los Angeles County, where enforcement resources are stretched thin and homelessness remains widespread.

How to protect your property

California property owners dealing with squatters have limited options. Still, there are steps they can take:

• Act quickly: The longer someone stays, the harder it is to remove them. File a police report and start the eviction process immediately.
• Secure your property: Install fencing, cameras and motion lights. Make sure doors and windows are locked. Regularly inspect vacant buildings.
• Document everything: Take photos of damage, theft or unauthorized entry. Surveillance footage can help you in court or with law enforcement.
• Get professional help: Consult a real estate attorney familiar with California’s landlord-tenant laws. Some cases may qualify for an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
• Know your rights: While police may not remove squatters without a court order, they can intervene in cases involving trespassing, utility theft or fire hazards.

Though Soliman hopes the city will step up soon, her story highlights a deeper issue: California’s squatter laws leave property owners with few options — even when public safety is at risk.

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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.