A Nassau County man who was selling a home in Fernandina Beach is out almost $600,000.
According to a police report, he had a real estate attorney provide closing services for a home that sits right on Fernandina Beach.
The report says the closing happened at the attorney’s office, and she provided her client with the check for almost $600,000.
A few hours later, officers say she received an email from someone she thought to be her client, asking her to wire money to a corporate account, which a police report says she did.
Officers say the attorney stopped payment on the check and sent the money by wire transfer instead.
When her client later asked where his money was, she realized she'd been scammed.
Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said the attorney should have questioned that email.
“You would think she would know better and do her due diligence; however, sometimes you get caught up in everything you’re doing,” said crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson.
Jefferson said everyone involved will have to be interviewed but it’s going to be hard to get that money back.
“Chances of them recovering that money is slim because that person most likely didn't use their real name,” said Jefferson.
We reached out to the attorney for comment and are waiting to hear back.