Are Cash Home Buyers Legit or Scam?

Mathew Pezon • December 23, 2024


You’re facing a critical decision when considering cash home buyers for your property sale. The market is filled with both legitimate companies and potential scammers who target desperate homeowners. This situation leaves many sellers confused and worried about making the right choice.


We understand your concerns about getting scammed or receiving lowball offers from cash buyers. You need to protect your investment while trying to sell quickly. The stress of distinguishing legitimate buyers from fraudsters can be overwhelming.


This comprehensive guide will walk you through the signs of legitimate cash buyers and red flags to watch for. You’ll learn practical steps to verify buyers and protect your interests.


Key Takeaways


  • Cash home buyers are legitimate businesses with proper licenses, verifiable track records, and physical offices that can be visited.

  • Legitimate cash buyers provide proof of funds, clear written offers, and maintain transparent communication throughout the process.

  • Reputable companies have positive Better Business Bureau ratings, verifiable references, and strong online presence through websites and reviews.

  • Cash offers typically range from 60-80% of market value, offering speed and convenience without realtor fees or repairs.

  • Red flags include buyers avoiding in-person meetings, refusing to show proof of funds, or requesting upfront payments.

Are Cash Home Buyers Legitimate?


Cash home buyers are real companies that purchase properties directly with their own funds. You can find many legitimate cash buyers in today’s real estate market. These buyers must have proper business licenses and verifiable track records.


You should always check a cash buyer’s credentials before making any deals. This step includes asking for proof of funds from their bank. A legitimate company will show you their financial documents without hesitation.


We recommend looking up reviews and ratings on trusted business websites. You can verify their status through the Better Business Bureau. The company should have a real office that you can visit.


These buyers will give you clear written offers without using high-pressure sales tactics. They should explain how they calculated your home’s value. You can protect your interests by working with local buyers. It helps to get advice from a real estate lawyer before signing papers.


What is a Cash Offer?


A cash offer means buying a home without using a mortgage or other financing methods. You will receive the full payment from the buyer’s available funds at closing. The buyer needs to show proof that they have enough money through bank statements or financial letters.


A cash sale simplifies the home-selling process in several ways. You don’t have to wait for bank approvals or worry about loan complications.


The closing process moves faster because there are no lender requirements. You will save money on various closing costs that come with traditional mortgage sales.


The buyer may want to purchase your home in its current condition. This means you won’t need to make repairs or improvements before selling.


You should still verify all documents and the buyer’s credibility carefully. This step protects you from potential fraud, even in straightforward cash transactions.


We recommend working with a real estate professional for cash deals. They can help ensure proper documentation and legal requirements are met.


How Do Cash Home Buyers Work?


Cash home buyers operate in three main types: individual investors, real estate companies, and iBuyers.


You can approach these buyers directly to sell your property without traditional real estate processes. They assess properties through photos, virtual tours, or personal visits to determine value. They often make lower offers than market prices because they consider repair costs. These buyers also need to ensure their profit margins remain healthy.


You must check the buyer’s background and financial ability before accepting any deal. The buyers should present bank statements or financial letters to prove their funds. This process moves quickly and can finish within 7-14 days from start to finish.


You will benefit from faster sales and simpler transactions without real estate agents. Yet, we should note that quick sales often mean accepting a lower price. You need to balance speed and convenience against getting less money for your home.


Pros and Cons of Selling for Cash


A cash sale requires careful evaluation of important benefits and drawbacks. You must balance the speed of selling against accepting a lower price.


Buyers with cash typically offer 60-80% of your home’s market value. You will gain a fast sale but receive less money than traditional selling. This trade-off brings speed and certainty to your transaction.


Speed is a major benefit when you need to sell quickly. You won’t pay real estate commissions or make repairs. The process eliminates home showings and mortgage approval delays. Your sale becomes more stable without financing risks.


Some important risks need your attention before choosing cash buyers. You should check each buyer’s credentials and verify their available funds. Many buyers might waste your time with unrealistic low offers. Your final sale price will likely be lower than listing with an agent.


Your specific situation will determine if cash selling fits your needs. Speed and simplicity might matter more than getting top dollar. We recommend traditional listing if maximum profit is your main goal.


Signs of a Legit Cash Buyer


Legitimate cash buyers show clear signs that you can verify before selling your home. You should check if they’re registered with the Better Business Bureau first. This registration proves their commitment to good business practices. We recommend verifying their business license and office location.


A real cash buyer will have a strong website and social media presence. They must show proof of past deals and happy customer reviews. You can ask them for references from other home sellers. Their network should include local real estate agents and professionals.


This type of buyer will always show proof they have money to buy your house. They will give you clear written offers and purchase agreements. You should expect quick responses to your calls and emails. We suggest checking their reputation with local real estate groups. It helps to read online forums about their past deals.


Some buyers raise red flags when they avoid meeting in person. You should be careful if they won’t show proof of funds. We warn against buyers who ask for money before closing. A good cash buyer follows standard real estate rules.


Common Cash Buyer Scams to Avoid


Common cash buyer scams can put sellers at serious financial risk. You should be careful when buyers ask for personal details before meeting in person. Scammers often request this information to steal identities. We recommend checking all buyer credentials and business licenses carefully.


You must avoid buyers who ask you to transfer money or pay unusual charges upfront. These requests are clear warning signs of potential fraud. The Better Business Bureau can help you research buyer reputations. You should also contact local real estate groups to verify buyer credentials.


This type of transaction requires proper verification of funds through banks. We advise sellers to be cautious of buyers offering prices above market value. You should decline any requests for payment by check or installment plans.


A title company or real estate attorney must handle the closing process. It is risky to work with buyers who avoid standard real estate procedures.


Benefits of Accepting a Cash Sale


Cash sales provide clear benefits by simplifying the home-selling process for property owners. You can skip many steps that traditional financing methods require. This option removes the uncertainty of mortgage approvals and bank appraisals. 


A cash buyer presents fewer risks because they don’t need loan approval. The transaction moves faster since there’s no waiting for bank processes. We recommend checking the buyer’s proof of funds before moving forward. 


The price might be lower than market value, but the benefits balance this difference. You save money by avoiding repairs and home staging costs. The process doesn’t require realtor fees, which adds to your savings.


The closing time is much shorter with cash purchases. This quick timeline helps sellers who need to move fast. It works well for people facing relocation or financial pressures. Cash buyers can often complete the deal within days instead of months.


Can You Sell Your House Fast?


You can sell your house fast through cash home buying services instead of traditional methods. Cash buyers will make offers within 24-48 hours after you contact them. They can complete the entire process in a few days.


You should check the buyer’s background and money status before starting. These buyers have ready funds and don’t need bank loans for purchases. They will check your property quickly and give you a firm offer.


You won’t face delays from loan approvals or long inspection periods with cash buyers. They accept houses in any state, so you don’t need to fix anything. This process can finish in seven days, but you can ask for more time. It helps if you need quick cash or must move soon for work.


This method works well for people who face foreclosure or need fast results. You will save time because cash buyers skip many traditional selling steps. The process is simple and removes common barriers that slow down regular sales.


Why Choose Cash Home Buyers?


As cash home buyers, we offer quick and reliable solutions for homeowners in Pennsylvania who want to sell their properties. As a cash home buyer-



Besides these locations, we also buy houses in other popular areas of Pennsylvania. You can close deals faster with us because we don’t need bank approvals or wait for mortgage confirmations. 


We buy properties in any condition, so you don’t have to worry about fixing or updating your home before selling it. This approach saves you time and money on improvements, even if your property needs major repairs you can’t afford.


Our process is much simpler than traditional methods. We skip many of the usual steps like home inspections and appraisals, saving you money on real estate agent fees and marketing costs. You also won’t need to stage your home or host countless showings and open houses. With us, there’s no risk of failed financing.


This direct buying method is perfect for people who need a quick and hassle-free solution. So if you’re looking to sell your home fast in Pennsylvania, including places like Whitehall, Whitemarsh, Whitpain, and beyond, we’re ready to make you an offer.


Ready to Sell Your Home? Try Pezon Properties Cash Home Buyers!


Pezon Properties Cash Home Buyers offers quick solutions for homeowners who want to sell fast. We understand that traditional home sales can be time-consuming and complex. You won’t need to deal with repairs, renovations, or multiple house showings.


We have earned an A+ BBB rating through our reliable service record. Our team has completed over 1,000 successful home purchases in ten years. You can trust our transparent process and verified funding sources. We close all deals within seven days after you accept our offer.


This process works in three simple steps. We inspect your property and make a fair cash offer in 24 hours. You won’t pay any closing costs or agent commissions. We help homeowners who face foreclosure, inheritance issues, or quick relocation needs. You can contact our team today for a free cash offer.


Ready to sell? Contact Pezon Properties Buyers today at (484) 484-0971. We buy homes in any condition and close deals in as little as 7 days.


Give us a call anytime at 484-484-0971 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

Get A Fair Cash Offer On Your House

Mathew Pezon

About the author

Mathew Pezon

Mathew Pezon is the founder and CEO of Pezon Properties, a cash home buying company located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. With several years of experience in the real estate industry, Mathew has become a specialist in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. He takes pride in providing a hassle-free, transparent, and fair home buying experience to his clients. Mathew is also an active member of his local community and is passionate about giving back. Through his company, he has contributed to various charities and causes.

5 Signs a Cash Home Buyer Is Legitimate

By Mathew Pezon • June 2, 2026
If you are thinking about selling your home for cash, knowing how to spot legitimate cash home buyers and avoid scams is the most important skill you can have. This article breaks down five clear signs a buyer is real, so Pennsylvania homeowners can protect themselves before signing anything. Selling your home fast sounds appealing. But scammers know that too. They target homeowners who are stressed, behind on payments, or just want a quick sale. The good news is that spotting a fake buyer is easier than you think once you know what to look for. What Are the Biggest Warning Signs of a Cash Buyer Scam? Before we talk about what makes a buyer legitimate, let us first cover the red flags. Knowing the bad signs helps you recognize the good ones faster. They Pressure You to Sign Immediately Real buyers give you time to review a contract. If we ever rush you to sign before you can read anything, that is a serious problem. Pressure tactics are among the most common red flags for cash buyers in real estate. Legitimate buyers understand that selling a home is a big decision. We welcome questions and want you to feel comfortable with every step. No trustworthy company should threaten to make an offer expire in the next hour. They Cannot Provide Written Documentation Any serious buyer should be able to hand over paperwork without hesitation. If someone cannot show you a signed purchase agreement or basic business documents, walk away. A real company has nothing to hide. Scammers rely on vague promises and verbal agreements. They avoid paper trails because paper trails expose them.

Top Reasons Homeowners Sell Their House Fast Without Repairs

By Mathew Pezon • May 29, 2026
If you want to sell your house fast without repairs, you are not alone, and this article will show you exactly which situations make an as-is home sale the smartest decision. Thousands of homeowners in Fleetwood face moments when fixing up a property simply isn't possible, and knowing your options can save you time, money, and serious stress. Selling a home the traditional way sounds simple on the surface. But the reality often includes costly repairs, picky buyers, and months of waiting. For many people, a faster and cleaner path exists. Understanding when to take that path is what separates a good outcome from a painful one. What Life Situations Push Homeowners to Sell Without Repairs? Life rarely gives warning before it gets complicated. A job loss, a health crisis, a divorce, or a sudden move can make the idea of renovating a home feel completely out of reach. These are the moments when homeowners in Allentown, PA, start asking whether selling as-is makes sense. Job Loss and Financial Pressure When income disappears, monthly bills pile up fast. Homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments cannot afford to spend thousands on new flooring or a roof replacement. Every dollar matters. Selling quickly without repairs lets families protect their credit and move forward without extra debt. Buyers who purchase homes as-is, like the team at Pezon Properties, expect properties in imperfect condition. We factor repair costs into their offer, which means you never have to open your wallet for a single fix. That straightforward process helps people in financial hardship, in home-sale situations, avoid foreclosure and other long-term damage. Divorce and Relationship Changes Divorce is one of the most common reasons people need to sell a home quickly. When two people split, neither party usually wants to coordinate repairs, contractors, or showings. The goal becomes moving on as fast as possible. An as-is sale removes that friction entirely. Both parties agree to sell the property in its current condition, receive a fair cash offer, and divide the proceeds. No arguments about who pays for the kitchen remodel. No delays waiting for permits or inspections to clear. Sudden Relocation for Work or Family Relocation timelines are rarely flexible. When a new job starts in six weeks or a family member needs care in another state, you cannot spend three months fixing up a house. You need a buyer who moves at your pace. Selling as-is to a cash buyer like Pezon Properties in Allentown, PA, can close in as few as 7 to 14 days. That speed gives you breathing room to focus on the move itself rather than managing a renovation project from a distance. Now that you understand how life events drive these decisions, let us look at what happens when financial pressure reaches a critical point and whether an as-is sale can provide real relief.

Our Story: How Pezon Properties Started Helping Allentown Homeowners

By Mathew Pezon • May 28, 2026
Selling a house can feel overwhelming. You might need to move fast, or your home might need repairs you cannot afford. Some people face foreclosure or just want to avoid the hassle of listing with an agent. That is where we come in. Pezon Properties started with a simple goal: to help Allentown homeowners sell their houses quickly and fairly. We buy homes for cash, no matter their condition. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of families in the Lehigh Valley move forward with their lives. This is our story. We want you to know who we are, why we do this work, and how we have grown to serve more people across Allentown and beyond. Why We Started Buying Homes in Allentown Every business has a beginning. Ours started when we saw real people struggling with real problems. Homeowners in Allentown were stuck. They needed to sell quickly, but the traditional real estate process took too long. Repairs cost thousands of dollars. Agent fees took a big chunk of the sale price. Many families simply could not wait months for a buyer. We asked ourselves a question: What if there was a faster, easier way? That question led us to create Pezon Properties. We wanted to build a company that could help people when they needed it most. Whether someone faced foreclosure, inherited a property, or just wanted to move on quickly, we wanted to be the solution. Allentown became our home base for a reason. This city has a rich history and strong neighborhoods. Families here work hard and deserve respect when selling their biggest asset. We saw an opportunity to serve our community in a meaningful way. From day one, we made a promise: treat every homeowner with honesty and fairness. No gimmicks. No hidden fees. Just straightforward cash offers and quick closings. We built our reputation one house at a time, one family at a time. Our first few deals taught us valuable lessons. We learned that communication matters. People want to understand the process. They want to feel heard. They want someone who cares about their situation, not just another transaction. Those early experiences shaped how we do business today.

Pezon Properties: Real People Behind Our Cash Offers

By Mathew Pezon • May 27, 2026
Who Owns and Runs Pezon Properties Pezon Properties is a family-owned business founded by Mat Pezon, a Lehigh Valley local who spent 12 years as a chemical engineer before transitioning to full-time real estate investing in 2014. Mat isn't a developer who parachuted in from outside the area. He grew up here, he invests here, and he still runs the business from here. His background is a little different from most cash buyers you'll come across. He completed a Master's in International Management at IE Business School in Madrid as a Fulbright Scholar, which shapes how he thinks about running a business. Methodical. Numbers-driven. Accountable. That approach carries through to how Pezon Properties evaluates homes and makes offers. Mat built the team around people with hands-on experience in construction, property management and real estate investing throughout Lehigh County. That mix matters because it means the offer you receive is based on actual knowledge of local property values and real repair costs, not a formula plugged into a spreadsheet. When you contact Pezon Properties, you're talking to people who are directly involved in buying and running these properties. Mat and his team answer their own phones, visit homes themselves and make decisions on the spot. There's no call center, no middleman and no runaround. The reason the business exists at all comes down to a straightforward observation: too many Allentown homeowners facing tough situations, whether that's a property needing major repairs, a timeline that doesn't work with a traditional listing, or just the need for certainty, didn't have a good option. Pezon Properties is that option.

What Makes Pezon Properties Different from Other Cash Home Buyers

By Mathew Pezon • May 26, 2026
Selling your home can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with repairs you cannot afford, a job relocation, or a family situation that needs a quick solution. When you need to sell fast, cash home buyers are a good option. But not all cash buyers are the same. Pezon Properties stands out in Allentown, PA. We are not just another company trying to buy houses cheaply and flip them for profit. We are your neighbors. We understand the Lehigh Valley because we live here too. We know what it means to struggle with an old house that needs constant fixes. We know what it feels like when life throws you a curveball, and you need to move quickly. This article will show you exactly what makes us different. You will learn about our local roots, how we treat people, and the promises we make to every seller. By the end, you will understand why homeowners in Allentown choose us over other cash buyers. Our Local Roots Make a Real Difference Pezon Properties is not a national chain with an office in every state. We are a local Allentown company. Our team lives in the Lehigh Valley. We shop at the same stores you do. Our kids might go to school with your kids. This matters more than you think. When you work with a local company, you get someone who understands your neighborhood. We know which areas of Allentown are growing. We know which streets have the best schools nearby. We understand the local market better than any out-of-town investor ever could. This knowledge helps us make fair offers that reflect what your home is really worth.

Our Values and Mission: Why Pezon Properties Does Business This Way

By Mathew Pezon • May 25, 2026
When you need to sell your home fast, you want to work with people you can trust. At Pezon Properties Allentown, we built our company on a simple idea: do the right thing, every single time. Buying homes should be fair, clear, and helpful to everyone involved. Our team has helped hundreds of homeowners in the Lehigh Valley sell their properties quickly and fairly. We do not use tricks or pressure tactics. Instead, we focus on treating people the way we would want to be treated. That means honest conversations, fair offers, and real solutions when you need them most. This article will explain the core values that guide everything we do. You will learn why we operate differently from many other cash home buyers. You will also see how our mission shapes the way we work with families throughout Allentown and the surrounding areas. Honesty and Transparency in Every Transaction We believe you deserve the truth about your home sale from start to finish. When you contact Pezon Properties, we never hide fees or surprise you with last-minute changes. Our cash offers are straightforward to understand. Many homeowners in Forks Township tell us they feel confused by other companies. Some buyers promise one price and then lower it right before closing. Others add hidden fees that eat away at your final payment. We think that is wrong. That is why we put everything in writing and explain each step clearly. When we make an offer on your house, that number is real. We do not charge commissions or closing costs. You do not need to make repairs or clean up the property. The price we quote is the amount you will receive at closing, minus any liens or mortgages you still owe. We also give you time to think. Selling a home is a big decision, even when you need to move fast. Our team will never pressure you to sign papers before you feel ready. We answer all your questions honestly, even if the answer might send you in a different direction. Transparency also means being clear about what we can and cannot do. If we think selling through a realtor might get you more money, we will tell you. If your timeline does not match what we can offer, we will be upfront about it. Our goal is to help you make the best choice for your situation, not just to close another deal. This honest approach has built our reputation in Allentown. Homeowners trust us because we keep our word. Real estate agents refer clients to us because they know we will treat people fairly. That trust matters more to us than any single home purchase.

What Is the Best Cash Offer For My House and How Does It Work?

By Mathew Pezon • May 22, 2026
If you want the best cash offer for my house, you need to understand exactly how the process works before you sign anything. This article breaks down every step so Lehigh Township homeowners can make a smart, confident decision about selling their home. Selling a home the traditional way can feel overwhelming. There are agents, inspections, open houses, and buyers who can back out at the last minute. A cash offer cuts through all of that noise. Once you know how it works, you will see why so many homeowners are choosing this path. What Does It Mean to Get a Cash Offer For Your House? A cash offer means a buyer wants to purchase your home without using a bank loan. There is no lender involved, no mortgage approval process, and no waiting weeks for financing to clear. The buyer has the money ready to go. This is different from a traditional sale in a big way. When a regular buyer makes an offer, they usually need a mortgage. That process can take 30 to 60 days and can fall apart if their loan gets denied. With a cash buyer, that risk disappears completely. What "No Financing Contingency" Really Means In a standard real estate contract, buyers include a financing contingency. This means the deal can fall through if the bank says no. Removing that clause, which cash buyers do by default, makes the sale far more reliable. A no-financing contingency offer protects you as the seller. You are not left wondering if the deal will close. Once you accept, the process moves forward on a clear, predictable timeline. The Role of an As-Is Home Sale Most cash buyers purchase homes in any condition. You do not need to repaint walls, fix the roof, or update the kitchen before selling. This is what people mean by an as-is home sale. This approach saves sellers both time and money. Instead of spending thousands on repairs, you sell the property as is. The buyer handles everything after closing.

Common We Buy Houses Scams and How They Work

By Mathew Pezon • May 21, 2026
Selling your house for cash sounds simple and fast. You see the signs everywhere: "We Buy Houses for Cash!" But not every buyer is honest. Some people use these signs to trick homeowners and steal money. Cash home buyers can be helpful. They buy houses quickly without repairs or waiting. But scammers hide among the good companies. They look professional. They sound trustworthy. Then they take advantage of people who need to sell fast. This article shows you the most common house-buying scams. You will learn how dishonest buyers trick sellers. More importantly, you will know how to protect yourself and your money. What Are We Buy Houses Scams? We buy houses. Scams occur when dishonest buyers cheat homeowners during a cash sale. These scams target people who need to sell quickly. You may be behind on payments. Maybe you inherited a house. You may need to move for a new job. Scammers know you feel pressure to sell fast. Real cash buyers like Pezon Properties follow clear rules. We make fair offers. We explain every step. We close deals honestly. Scammers do the opposite. They hide fees. They change offers at the last minute. Some even try to steal your Palmer Township house completely. The biggest problem is that scams look real at first. Scammers use professional websites. They drive nice cars. They wear business clothes. They talk about helping you solve problems. This makes it hard to spot the bad ones. Most we buy houses scams fall into a few categories. Some trick you with fake offers that disappear. Others sneak hidden fees into contracts. The worst scams actually steal the value built up in your home. Understanding these tricks helps you stay safe. You should know that legitimate cash buyers exist in every city. In Allentown and across Pennsylvania, honest companies buy houses every day. They provide a real service for people who need quick sales. The key is learning the difference between honest buyers and scammers. Warning signs show up early if you know what to look for. Pressure to sign quickly is a red flag. Offers that seem too good often are. Buyers who avoid questions or rush you are suspicious. Trust your gut feeling when something seems wrong.

Warning Signs You're Dealing With a Fake Cash Home Buyer

By Mathew Pezon • May 20, 2026
Selling your house for cash can be a great option when you need to move quickly. But not every "we buy houses" company is honest. Some bad actors try to take advantage of homeowners who need fast sales. Learning to spot these scams can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress. Real cash home buyers like Pezon Properties in Allentown exist to help homeowners sell quickly and fairly. But scammers hide behind similar promises. The difference is in the details. This guide will show you exactly what to watch for so you can tell the good from the bad. When you know the warning signs, you protect yourself and your biggest investment. Let's look at the red flags that appear at every stage of dealing with a cash buyer. Red Flags in the First Phone Call or Email The first contact with a cash buyer tells you a lot. Pay close attention to how they communicate from the very start. A major warning sign is when someone cannot or will not give you basic business information. Legitimate companies have nothing to hide. They will happily share their business name, physical office address, and contact details. If someone dodges these questions or gives vague answers, walk away. Watch out for buyers who ask for money up front. Real cash buyers in Bethlehem Township never charge you fees before closing. They make money by buying your house, not by collecting fees from sellers. If someone asks for an appraisal fee, inspection fee, or processing fee before making an offer, that is a scam. Another red flag is poor communication quality. Does the email have lots of spelling mistakes? Does the caller sound unprofessional or refuse to answer basic questions? Established companies like Pezon Properties hire trained professionals who communicate clearly and respectfully.

How to Check If a Cash Home Buyer Is Legitimate

By Mathew Pezon • May 19, 2026
You have probably seen those bright yellow signs along the highway. "We Buy Houses Fast!" or "Sell Your Home for Cash!" You may have got a letter in the mail or a text message. Someone wants to buy your house, and they promise to make it easy. Some of these companies are honest. They help homeowners who need to sell quickly. But others are running scams. They trick people out of their homes or their money. The good news is that you can protect yourself. You just need to know what to look for. This guide will show you exactly how to verify whether a cash home buyer is legitimate. You will learn the warning signs of scams. You will know which questions to ask. By the end, you will feel confident about who you can trust with your biggest asset: your home. Why Cash Home Buying Scams Happen Cash home buyers make offers on houses without requiring you to get a bank loan. They pay with their own money. This can be great for homeowners who need to move fast or who cannot afford costly repairs. Scammers know that desperate situations create easy targets. Maybe you are facing foreclosure. Maybe you inherited a house you cannot maintain. You may have lost your job and cannot pay the mortgage. When people feel stuck, they sometimes skip important safety steps. Real companies like Pezon Properties buy homes the right way. We have proper licenses, insurance, and a track record you can verify. Scammers, on the other hand, disappear after they get what they want.