A Texas man is facing charges of wire fraud for his alleged role in the illegal acquisition of multiple properties.
Sergio Efrain Zamora Jr., 45, was brought before a federal court in McAllen, Texas on a four-count indictment. According to court filings, Zamora sold multiple homes by forging signatures on the documents and transferring titles to his business.
It is alleged that, beginning in June 2021, Zamora orchestrated a real estate fraud scheme by selling multiple homes without the homeowners’ authorization. He allegedly forged signatures on documents and transferred property titles to his business.
The victims – some of whom were his own family and friends – were unaware that their homes were being sold, according to the charges. Zamora allegedly created fraudulent documents, including warranty deeds and contracts of sale, to make the transactions appear legitimate.
Zamora is also accused of forging paperwork as part of the scheme. He allegedly profited illegally by using the proceeds to pay off debts and, in some cases, by receiving funds directly from the fraudulent closings.
According to the charges, Zamora’s activities caused a total loss of $655,000 to the victims and the title company associated with the affected properties.
If convicted, Zamora faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was investigated by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuting the case against him.