People were duped into sending a partial or full payment to a third-party agent via a wire transfer payment service and to fax their payment receipt to the seller as proof of payment.

FORBES: Where Americans Lost Money Online

Jenel Lee, who owned a one-bedroom condominium in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, received a postcard in the mail earlier this year from Sam Bryan, an agent representing a buyer that was ready to make an offer with a 50% down payment on a unit like hers.

WSJ: Home Prices Jump 10.9%, Largest Annual Gain in 7 Years