A variation on identity theft. Takes a little bit of research (property owners names, preferably SSN and other data), then apply for an easy refinance mortgage or second mortgage, close the deal and disappear. Even easier now that you can do a mortgage loan completely on-line, have the cash sent by bank transfer. Much easier for an unscrupulous family member with access to the owner's records and information, but a lot of families have one or more of those slime-balls these days.
I remember back in the troubled financial times of the late 1970's, lots of VA and FHA repo houses. Big signs in front offering the property for sale, kind of a cute warning that the FBI investigated any crime on the property (like they had nothing else to do). Scammers would pose as real estate agents, have a locksmith re-key the locks, take down all the signs, offer the houses for rent. Victim would pony up the first month's rent and security deposit, move in, have the utilities turned on, then within a few weeks would find themselves back on the street while the scammer spent their money somewhere else.
If there is a way to reach into your pocket someone is working on getting it done, every day and everywhere.
