Those with 'nothing to lose' pose the greatest threat to squatters in America, warns expert.

Flash Shelton, a former California handyman, gained notoriety for starting a new and specialized career after assisting his mother in removing illegal tenants from her home.

He shared his story with Planet Chronicle Digital in an on-camera interview, detailing how it has impacted his life today. He also offered advice for those facing similar challenges. (Watch the video at the top of this article.)

In 2019, following the death of his father, Shelton was tasked with evicting squatters from his mother's home in Northern California after learning that unauthorized individuals had gained entry.

Law enforcement concluded that the situation was a civil matter since individuals had moved furniture into the home, making it appear as if someone was living there, and Shelton had reached out to them for assistance.

Shelton researched different loopholes to remove the squatters from his mother's home.

"Shelton discovered that if he could secure the rights to the home before the squatters and then swap places with them, he could successfully become their squatter," as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

He observed seven people going in and out of his mother's house, while noticing three parked cars, he stated.

Shelton obtained a lease from his mother and successfully reclaimed the property.

"Shelton stated that it was simply switching places with them, becoming their squatter, locking them out, installing cameras, and threatening to prosecute if they returned - that was sufficient," according to Shelton.

His social media post about his squatter situation went viral, drawing the attention of other homeowners seeking assistance with their own squatter problems.

Shelton then dubbed himself the "Squatter Hunter."

Through video conferences, Shelton's services are available nationwide. If required, he will travel to homes with squatters.

"My DNA has always been to fight bullies, and it's what I've always done my whole life."

He travels two to three weeks each month to contact potential clients through his Squatters Hunters business.

Despite their concerns about his personal safety, his family is very supportive.

"Shelton acknowledged that this is simply my nature. After all, my DNA has always been to combat bullies, and that's what I've always done throughout my life," he stated. "I had to uphold the name Flash."

My friends and family support me, and I couldn't do this without their help. They understand that my work ethic ensures my safety and theirs as well.

He takes a lot of time to prepare for each case and experiences an adrenaline rush when he's on location, he stated.

He stated that he doesn't take it personally. My objective is to acquire the property, and I will achieve it.

An elderly woman in Culver City, California, had a caregiver who posed as a caregiver and climbed in and out of a window to live inside the home, he said.

"The craziest situation was when she didn't care. She didn't care that I had barricaded her, that she only had access to her bedroom," he said.

"Despite lacking a bathroom, electricity, and water, she remained unbothered because in her twisted, self-centered perspective, she would eventually own the house after the 88-year-old owner passed away."

Shelton collaborates with homeowners by requiring them to sign a month-to-month lease agreement, and he contacts law enforcement prior to attempting to evict squatters.

The rights of squatters vary by state according to the laws governing adverse possession.

"Squatters who assume tenant rights in states that are friendly to them are not legally entitled to such rights. To clarify, if someone enters a house illegally, regardless of how long they've been there, it should be considered a crime."

When someone has nothing to lose, the worst squatting story may occur.

In New York, squatters must reside on a property for 10 years openly and illegally before they can assert ownership.

According to New York Consolidated Laws, people in New York City can claim squatters' rights 30 days after a lease has ended.

In California, squatters who pay taxes on a property for five consecutive years can acquire ownership of it.

Homeowners should be prepared and ready to deal with possible squatters, advises Shelton.

"The best option is to have cameras on your phone that allow you to view them from anywhere in the world. Additionally, a locking mailbox can prevent squatters from sending mail to your house."

If you suspect an intruder, immediately call law enforcement, he added.

"The crucial aspect is that this is property. Avoid endangering your life while striving for ownership."