x
Breaking News
More () »

12 people's identities posted online after real estate transaction

KVUE Defenders found several documents regarding the sale of lots in Travis County. Some of the paperwork included social security numbers and bank statements.

AUSTIN, Texas — People who bought land in the Chaparrel Woods Subdivision may be at risk. Much of the transaction information was posted online.

We won’t release how we got the information, to protect those already vulnerable.

As of Tuesday, that private information is now removed from public view.

The papers go back to a subdivision the county said was illegally divided, Chaparrel Woods.

Travis County filed suit against the developer, Alan "AJ" Shield, and the real estate agent, Uriel Castro, among others. 

RELATED: 

Families living without water and sewer lines: 'It’s just terrible,' say neighbors

Families living in a new Travis County development may be forced to move

"The defendants in this case deceived multiple families into paying over $850,000 for something that doesn't exist – a unit in an imaginary condominium," the court petition showed.

KVUE Defenders found the unimproved property contracts as well as personal information securing the purchase online.

The Defenders gave the information to four investigating agencies: the Texas Attorney General, Travis County District Attorney, Travis County Attorney's Office and the Texas Real Estate Commission. Each agency confirmed they received the information.

The real estate agent, Castro, said he was notified about the posts on Monday afternoon and referred us to his attorney.

Castro's real estate license is listed as "inactive" on the TREC website.

The Defenders is now working to notify each person whose private information was found online.

You can search for any real estate agent and broker here or see disciplinary actions here.

TREC also offers a recovery fund for to reimburse consumers who suffer damages caused by TREC license holders. Click here to see the requirements.

If you have a story idea for the Defenders, email us defenders@kvue.com

Follow Erica Proffer on Twitter @ericaproffer, Facebook @ericaprofferjournalist, and Instagram@ericaprofferjournalist.

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

Starting today, it's legal for homeless to camp on Austin streets

Austin rapper Hella Sketchy dies from apparent overdose

Facebook facility evacuated after mail tests positive for sarin

Before You Leave, Check This Out