A South Florida man was duped of $9,100 (Rs 6.35 lakhs) after a plot of land, which he bought from an online auction, turned out to be tiny strip worth $50.
According to reports, Kerville Holness had made the purchase after being told the plot had a plush Tamarac villa that was actually worth $1,77,000. However, when he reached the spot on Northwest 100th way, he was shocked to know the land was only 1-foot-wide and 100-foot-long.
The strip of land remained in the possession of GHO Tamarac II and was never attached to either of the adjoining properties.
Holness told South Florida Sun Sentinel he wants authorities to void the deal and give him back his money.
“It’s deception. There was no demarcation to show you it’s just a line going through [the villa duplex], even though they have the tools to show that,” Holness told the newspaper.
The land, currently belonging to Holness, starts on a curb and goes under the wall separating garages of two adjoining Spring Lake villas.
Holness accused the auction site of misinformation, as the property appraiser pictures showed the villa as part of the parcel he was bidding on.
While Holness wants a full refund of his money, officials say state law does not allow the refund that was being sought. County officials and real estate experts said auction participants must do their research before buying a property.
Holness told reporters the property should not have been listed for sale on the auction site.
Courtesy: Times Now
