The indictment alleges Schoneke and Gonzalez found properties that they would list -- even though many, in fact, were not for sale, and they did not have authority to list them for sale -- and then marketed the properties as short sales providing opportunities for purchases at below-market prices.
Using other people's broker's licenses, Schoneke and Gonzalez allegedly listed the properties on real estate websites such as the Multiple Listing Service. In some cases, the indictment alleges, the homes were marketed through open houses that co-conspirators were able to host after tricking homeowners into allowing their homes to be used.