Complaint Review: Tim Marais

I was conned into committing real estate fraud by a real estate investor who promised he would mentor me in rael estate, specifically adverse posession. At the time this occured I had known this individual for a couple years and he had me convinced he was a normal, ethical person. he had a nice car, nice house, family, and a christian.

At the time of this occurence I was homeless, suffering from mental issues, emotional issues, and was socially isolated. I trusted him, and thought real estate could be a way of changing my life for the better. I did not have the mindet at the time to do any due dilligence, he convinced me that what we were doing was perfectly legal. In reality he was a conman who had found the perfect mark.

When I was arrested, he paid for an attorney. he lied to the attorney about his involvement. Both he and the attorney told me I should not say anything about his involvement or it could turn out very badly for me. I plead guilty and got a little over a year. I am still on probation. Because of the fraud charge I've not been able to get any kind of work.

The guilt and shame for having been conned is consuming me and while there are definant risks to me telling my story I can no longer remain silent. I do feel my life would be in danger by speaking out but I feel I have no choice, as I am certain Tim Marais is continuing his real estate scams, I know he has other victims out there, and cannot abide the thought of him getting away with money when other people are paying the price for his criminality.