A Winston-Salem man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly scamming homebuyers out of more than $119,000 through a property fraud scheme that targeted communities in Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
Fraudulent Property Sale
In August 2024, Khalil Nadir Rynes allegedly sold a property without legal ownership, taking a $15,000 deposit from a buyer before disappearing. The victim, unable to recover the money, filed a police report in December 2024.
Following an investigation, Rynes was arrested and charged on Feb. 27, 2025, with:
✔️ Felony Worthless Check
✔️ Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense
The next day, the Greensboro Police Department took Rynes into custody, setting his bond at $5,000.
Long History of Fraud
Police revealed that Rynes had previously been convicted of 12 felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense and a misdemeanor Breaking or Entering charge—all linked to his business, Smile Homes LLC.
Authorities estimate that Rynes scammed residents, particularly targeting the Hispanic community, out of nearly $120,000 over the past five years.
How to Spot a Real Estate Scam
Experts warn buyers to look for red flags when dealing with real estate transactions:
🔹 Suspiciously low prices compared to market value
🔹 Sellers who refuse to meet in person
🔹 Stock images or mismatched property photos
🔹 Unverified ownership claims
