Squatter forums expose tactics for seizing homes, Internet says 'wouldn’t work in Texas'

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES: Squattering has become an act that has been troubling residents in America for quite a while. It is the process when an abandoned house is taken over by someone who doesn't possess ownership of the property.

Some squatter forums online are trying to help such individuals with tips and tricks online that have ignited a wave of discontent among social media users.

Previously, a Venezuelan migrant was also trying to urge his followers online to squatter homes, which received immense criticism from social media users and they called for better laws to prevent this.

Squattering cases that caused harm to citizens

Recent cases involving squatting have captured widespread attention online. One such incident, reported by CBS News, unfolded tragically in New York City's Kips Bay neighborhood.

Police disclosed that Nadia Vitels, a 52-year-old woman, was fatally attacked inside her deceased mother's apartment. The suspects behind this shocking crime were identified as squatters.

According to police sources, Vitels had traveled from Spain to prepare the apartment for occupancy by a family friend, unaware that it had been inhabited by squatters for some time. Investigators believe the squatters brutally assaulted her, resulting in her death.

In another widely reported case, Adele Andaloro faced public scrutiny as she attempted to change the locks on squatters who had taken up residence in her deceased parents' $1 million Queens home.

The New York Post reported that police evacuated the property temporarily following an unspecified threat, further complicating the situation. The duration of the squatters' absence from the house remains unclear.

Squatter forums provide tips and tricks to take over an abandoned home

As reported by the New York Post, online forums frequented by squatters are buzzing with tips and tricks for claiming abandoned properties. One resourceful artist shared a crafty strategy, they put a "for sale/rent" sign on a property, complete with a burner phone number. If there's no response, it's like an open invitation to take over.

Savvy squatters browse real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia, hunting for homes that have languished on the market without any takers. Then, they hit the streets for some on-the-ground inspection.

Another tactic involves planting an orange cone in the driveway and checking back later to see if it's been disturbed.

Setting a price cap of $500,000 for potential targets is a common guideline as per one squatter as reported by the New York Post. Some advocate for a low-key, hermit-like existence to fly under the radar, while others suggest strutting around like one owns the place, blending in as if they're just another tenant.

Internet users call out squatter forums

A user wrote, "This squatter issue is SO much bigger than just these horrible isolated incidents. This topic is the smoking gun that the government does not believe your property is yours. it belongs to everyone. Eventually, this will mean the end of private property rights as we know them.😡"

Another user wrote, "Wouldn’t work like that in Texas."

A user commented, "I cant think of a single good reason why squatters should ever have rights. 🤔"

Another user commented, "Yet another reason why it’s important to vote in local elections for city council members and county commissioners. Locally elected officials have the capacity to create ordinances that would stop this from happening."

A user stated, "It boggles my mind that so many out there think it’s okay to just take over someone’s home. 😳"

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.