Real Estate Scams to Warn Your Clients About (and Exactly What to Tell Them)

When we sit down with a new buyer or seller, we assume one thing: at some point in their transaction, someone will try to scam them.

That sounds harsh, but real estate scams are now a feature of the market, not a bug. Large sums of money, tight deadlines, complex paperwork, stressed people, and a web of emails and texts make property fraud incredibly attractive to cybercriminals and con artists.

Our job isn’t just opening doors and writing contracts. It’s protecting clients’ life savings from some very creative housing scams. Below, we break down the most common types of real estate fraud, the specific red flags to watch for, and the exact instructions you can give clients to protect themselves (and you) from real estate scams targeting REALTORS® and their customers.

The Most Common Real Estate Scams You Need to Warn Clients About

Real estate scammers are constantly evolving, but the patterns we see over and over include:

• Wire transfer fraud and payment diversion
• Rental listing scams and fake landlords
• Fake buyers, cheque‑switch, and overpayment scams
• Foreclosure “relief,” loan flipping, and predatory lending
• Deed and title fraud (including vacant land scams)
• Inspection and disclosure fraud by sellers
• Subject‑to abuse and predatory “creative finance” deals
• Moving scams and ancillary service rip‑offs
• Real estate investment education and “get rich quick” schemes
• International and foreign buyer scams

We’ll walk through each of these real estate scam types with real‑world examples, warning signs, and client‑friendly scripts you can use immediately.

1. Wire Transfer Fraud & Payment Diversion

Real estate wire fraud is, by far, the most financially devastating property scam we see. Hundreds of thousands of dollars can vanish in a single click.

How real estate wire fraud works

In almost every case, the pattern looks like this:

1. A criminal gains access to someone’s email:
   • Title/escrow company
   • Real estate agent or broker
   • Lender or attorney
   • Or even the buyer or seller
2. They sit quietly and watch:
   • Learn names, roles, timelines, and closing dates
   • Study signatures, logos, and writing style
   • Collect account numbers and dollar amounts
3. Right before earnest money or closing funds are due, they send an email or text that looks legitimate:
   • Same thread and subject line
   • Same logos and email signature
   • An email address that’s close, but not identical
4. The message includes “updated” or “urgent” wire instructions.
5. The buyer wires $50,000… $150,000… $500,000+ to the fraudster instead of the title company.
6. By the time anyone realizes, the funds have been laundered through overseas accounts and are usually gone forever.

We’ve also seen payment diversion hit seller proceeds and mortgage payoffs: criminals send fake “updated payoff instructions” or “new account for your seller net sheet,” and money that should go to your client or lender goes to the scammer instead.

Red flags to warn clients about

• Any last‑minute change in wiring instructions. This is the biggest red flag in real estate fraud.
• Wire instructions that arrive only by email or text, especially when:
  • There’s heavy urgency (“funds must be sent within one hour”).
  • The language feels slightly off (“kindly proceed with wire”).
• Email addresses that are close, but not identical:
  • @titlecompany.co instead of .com
  • Extra or swapped letters, like @titIecompany.com where a capital “I” replaces the “l”
  • Numbers used as letters (1 vs l, rn vs m)
• Requests to “confirm by email only” and not to call.
• Wire instructions coming from a free email account (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) instead of a firm domain.

Exact rules to give your clients (in writing)

We tell buyers and sellers, verbally and in writing:

1. “We will never change wiring instructions by email or text.”
2. “Treat all emailed wire instructions as suspicious until you’ve verified them by phone on a trusted number.”
3. “Only use phone numbers you already have on a business card, printed packet, or official website—not the number in the email.”

Then we walk them through this step‑by‑step process:

1. When you receive wiring instructions:
   • Call the title/escrow company or attorney at the number we gave you on day one, or from their official website.
   • Do not call any number listed in the email with the wiring instructions.
2. On that call:
   • Read the routing and account numbers digit‑by‑digit.
   • Confirm the exact wire amount and purpose (earnest money vs. closing funds).
3. For large amounts, consider a test wire:
   • Send $100–$500 first.
   • Call the same trusted number to confirm they received that test wire.
   • Only then send the full balance.
4. If you ever receive a “change” in wire instructions:
   • Assume it’s a scam.
   • Call us and the title company immediately on known numbers.
   • Do not click links, open attachments, or reply from the email.

Safeguards for agents and brokers

• Add a permanent wire fraud warning to your email signature and buyer/seller packets.
• Use multi‑factor authentication (MFA) on email, MLS, and transaction systems to reduce Business Email Compromise (BEC).
• Avoid using personal Gmail/Yahoo addresses for client work—domain emails are easier to control and monitor.
• Use encrypted portals or secure transaction platforms for anything involving account numbers or personally identifiable information (PII).

For wire fraud, process is everything. We tell clients to assume cybercriminals will attack their transaction; their defense is following these steps every time.

2. Rental Listing Scams & Fake Landlords

Rental listing scams are some of the most common housing scams in the market, especially on unregulated platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

How fake rental listings work

Scammers typically:

• Copy real photos and descriptions from the MLS, Zillow, or agent websites.
• Repost them as “for rent” at a below‑market price.
• Pretend to be the owner or property manager but:
  • Refuse to meet in person.
  • Claim to be out of the country, on military deployment, or a missionary overseas.
• Ask for:
  • Security deposit or first month’s rent before any showing.
  • Payment via wire, Zelle, Cash App, PayPal Friends & Family, cryptocurrency, or even gift cards.

We’ve seen variations where scammers impersonate real local agents by stealing their headshots and bios, then collect “application fees” or deposits. Victims think they’re dealing with a licensed REALTOR®, but the real agent has no idea until angry tenants show up with fake leases.

Red flags renters should know

• Rent is significantly below market for the neighborhood or property type.
• The “landlord”:
  • Won’t show the property in person.
  • Won’t hop on a quick video call from inside or outside the home.
  • Uses only text/WhatsApp/email to communicate.
• They push for upfront payment:
  • “We have many applicants; send your deposit today to hold it.”
• They insist on irreversible payment methods (wire, crypto, gift cards) to a personal account.
• The listing appears only on sketchy sites and not with any reputable brokerage or property management company.
• The same property is listed elsewhere by a different person at a different price.

Advice you can give renters and relocation clients

• Never pay anything before you see the property (or have a trusted representative see it) and sign a legitimate lease.
• Verify ownership:
  • Look up the owner in county property records.
  • Cross‑check the “landlord” name with public records and the agent’s brokerage site.
• Avoid wiring money or sending funds via Zelle/Cash App to individuals you haven’t met.
• For out‑of‑area moves, encourage renters to work through:
  • Known, reputable property management companies.
  • Local REALTORS® with verifiable offices and online track records.

What we do as listing agents

• Google our own listings periodically to see if they’ve been cloned.
• Add language like:

  “This property is listed exclusively by [Brokerage]. We do not collect deposits or application fees via Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards. Any other advertisement may be fraudulent.”

• If we discover a fake ad, we:
  • Report it to the platform.
  • Document screenshots.
  • Warn the actual owner and neighboring agents that tenants may show up claiming to have leases.

3. Cheque‑Switch & Overpayment Scams

The “cheque switch” or overpayment scam targets agents, landlords, and sellers directly. It’s simple but effective.

How the overpayment scam works

1. A “buyer” or “tenant” sends a check, cashier’s check, or money order for more than the amount due.
2. They quickly claim it was a mistake:
   • “My assistant sent the wrong check.”
   • “The bank mixed up the amounts.”
3. They ask you to:
   • Refund the difference, or
   • Forward part of it to a third party (a “moving company” or “contractor”).
4. You deposit the check, see a pending credit, and think it’s safe.
5. You wire or Zelle the “difference.”
6. Days later, the bank discovers the original check is fraudulent, reverses the deposit, and you’re on the hook for what you sent out.

Red flags

• Overpayments from strangers, especially international “buyers” insisting on checks.
• Pressure to refund or forward funds before the check fully clears.
• Requests to send the difference via wire, Zelle, PayPal Friends & Family, crypto, or gift cards.

How to protect yourself and clients

• Tell clients bluntly: never refund or forward any portion of an overpayment until the bank confirms in writing that funds are fully cleared and non‑reversible.
• Better yet, decline overpayments altogether and request the correct amount.
• For large deposits and earnest money, prefer:
  • Certified checks payable directly to the title/escrow company or attorney trust account.
  • Verified incoming wires with confirmed Fed reference numbers.

4. Foreclosure “Relief,” Loan Flipping & Predatory Lending

Homeowners in financial distress are prime targets for property scams. The combination of fear, shame, and time pressure makes them highly vulnerable.

A. Foreclosure rescue & “we’ll save your home” scams

How these foreclosure relief scams work

Fraudsters pose as:

• “Foreclosure consultants”
• “Mortgage relief specialists”
• “Government program representatives”

They promise to:

• Stop foreclosure
• Negotiate loan modifications
• Handle all communication with the bank

But in reality, they:

• Charge high upfront fees—often thousands of dollars.
• Tell owners to stop talking to their lender or attorney.
• In some cases, trick them into signing documents that transfer the deed to the scammer.

Red flags for distressed homeowners

• Unsolicited calls, texts, letters, or door‑knocks referencing their foreclosure case.
• Guarantees:
  • “We will stop your foreclosure for sure.”
  • “We have a special relationship with your bank.”
• Any demand for upfront payment before a single result.
• Pressure to sign documents quickly, without independent legal review.
• Instructions not to contact the lender, HUD‑approved counselors, or a local attorney.

Best advice to give at‑risk clients

• Always speak directly with the mortgage servicer about hardship options.
• Use only:
  • HUD‑approved housing counselors.
  • Reputable nonprofit organizations.
  • Licensed attorneys they choose themselves.
• Never sign anything that could transfer ownership or grant power of attorney without a lawyer reviewing it.
• Be extremely wary of anyone who found them through foreclosure filings rather than referral.

B. Loan flipping & predatory refinancing

How loan flipping works

Predatory lenders, often targeting seniors, push repeated refinances or reverse mortgages:

• Each new loan rolls in heavy fees and sometimes higher interest.
• Equity slowly disappears.
• Monthly payments may become unaffordable.
• Foreclosure becomes more likely, not less.

Red flags

• Repeated solicitations to refinance when there’s no clear benefit to the homeowner.
• “Limited time offers” and pressure to sign documents urgently.
• Complex or opaque fee structures and balloon payments.
• Targeting elderly homeowners on fixed income with “too good to be true” pitches.

How we counsel clients about predatory lending

• Encourage them to:
  • Talk to their own bank or credit union first.
  • Get an independent financial advisor or attorney to review any proposed refinance.
  • Bring a trusted family member into major loan discussions.
• Remind them: if a lender is pushing hard and can’t clearly explain long‑term costs, that’s a major red flag.

5. Subject‑To Abuse & Predatory “Creative Finance” Deals

“Creative finance” isn’t automatically a scam. Legitimate subject‑to transactions and wrap mortgages exist. The problem is when unscrupulous investors use them to strip equity and dump risk on unsophisticated sellers.

What a legitimate subject‑to deal is

• Buyer takes title to the property.
• Existing mortgage stays in the seller’s name.
• Buyer agrees to make the ongoing mortgage payments.

Done ethically, this can help a distressed seller avoid foreclosure, preserve their credit, and move on—if payments are actually made.

How scammers weaponize subject‑to

• They target owners with:
  • Little or negative equity.
  • Loans at higher balances than current market value.
  • Pressure to sell quickly or avoid foreclosure.
• They promise:
  • “We’ll take over your payments.”
  • “You’ll walk away with cash and no more headaches.”
• They close dozens of these deals, raise private money, and then simply don’t make payments after closing.
• Sellers start receiving default notices and find themselves in foreclosure months later on a home they thought they’d sold.

Why this type of property scam is so dangerous for sellers

• The loan remains in their name. Credit damage, foreclosure, and legal risk all hit the seller.
• They rarely understand the true risk or the investor’s exit strategy (or lack of one).

Red flags to warn your clients about

• Investors promising:
  • “We’ll catch up your payments and you can walk away today.”
  • “We’ll turn it into a corporate rental/PadSplit/Airbnb and everyone wins.”
• No independent verification of:
  • The investor’s track record.
  • Whether the property can truly cash flow with the current mortgage.
• Vague or nonexistent written agreements about:
  • Who pays what, and when.
  • What happens if the investor stops paying.

How to protect sellers considering subject‑to

• Insist they hire an independent real estate attorney who understands creative finance.
• Spell out in writing:
  • Buyer’s payment obligations.
  • Seller’s right to monitor the loan (online access, monthly statements, alerts).
  • Remedies if payments are missed.
• Consider escrow reserves to cover arrears and several months of payments.
• Make sure they understand in plain language:

  “If this buyer doesn’t pay, the bank will come after you. Your credit and finances are on the line.”

6. Deed & Title Fraud (Including Vacant Land Scams)

Title theft and deed fraud are rising, especially with vacant land and properties owned by out‑of‑area or elderly sellers.

Main types of title fraud

1. Identity‑based title theft
   • Scammers steal personal data (from phishing, data breaches, or stolen mail).
   • They forge signatures on deeds to transfer ownership to themselves or shell companies.
   • They then:
     • Take out loans secured by the property, or
     • Try to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer.
2. Fake seller scams (common with vacant land)
   • Criminal pretends to be the out‑of‑state owner of a vacant lot or second home.
   • They list it for sale, often below market, to encourage a quick cash deal.
   • They push for remote closing with minimal due diligence.
   • Once the buyer wires funds, the scammer disappears; recorded deed is worthless.

Properties most at risk

• Vacant land and lots
• Unoccupied or rarely used homes (vacation homes, long‑term rentals)
• Homes owned “free and clear” with no mortgage
• Properties owned by elderly or out‑of‑state owners

Red flags for owners

• Unexpected notices about:
  • Mortgages or lines of credit you never applied for.
  • Delinquent property taxes you thought were current.
  • Foreclosure actions on loans you don’t recognize.
• Mail about your property suddenly stopping or going missing.
• Strangers contacting you about a listing or offer you never authorized.

Red flags for buyers and agents

• “Seller”:
  • Refuses video calls.
  • Insists on email‑only communication because they’re “overseas.”
  • Provides scanned IDs that can’t be independently verified.
• Reluctance to use a neutral, reputable local title company or attorney.
• Unusually fast timelines and all‑cash offers with big discounts.
• Strange or very recent title transfers in the chain of title.

How to help clients guard against title fraud

• Encourage owners to:
  • Check county property records periodically for unexpected changes.
  • Sign up for any free property title alert services their county offers.
  • Invest in legitimate title insurance and understand what it covers.
  • Shred documents with sensitive information and watch for signs of identity theft.
• As agents, when dealing with remote sellers:
  • Work with title/escrow partners that do robust ID checks (notary verification, knowledge‑based authentication).
  • Slow down if the seller resists verification; a slightly longer closing beats a fraudulent one.

7. Inspection Scams & Disclosure Fraud

Not all real estate scams are cybercrimes. Some are old‑fashioned concealment and misrepresentation—home inspection scams and disclosure fraud that leave buyers with costly surprises.

A. Inspection manipulation and “lipstick on a pig”

How inspection‑related fraud happens

• Sellers know about serious defects:
  • Chronic leaks and water intrusion
  • Mold, fire, or structural damage
  • Previous floods or foundation issues
• They quickly cosmetic‑fix problem areas:
  • Fresh paint over water stains.
  • New drywall on one suspicious wall.
  • Laminate flooring installed over rotted subfloor.
• They commission a friendly inspector for a glowing pre‑listing report, then:
  • Push buyers to waive their own inspections.
  • Refuse to allow time for thorough due diligence.

Red flags for buyers

• Seller or listing agent:
  • Insists you use “their” inspector and discourages others.
  • Refuses to allow any buyer‑ordered inspection as a condition of sale.
  • Pitches the seller’s pre‑inspection as a complete substitute for your own.
• Very short, cheap “inspections” with:
  • Little time spent on site.
  • Reports lacking photos or detail.
• Visible patchwork:
  • One newly painted section of ceiling.
  • Brand‑new baseboards in only one corner.

How we guide buyers

• Always provide a list of several reputable, licensed inspectors and let the client choose.
• Advise them:
  • To attend the inspection.
  • To read the report thoroughly and ask questions.
  • That seller‑provided reports are informational only, not a replacement.
• Push back hard on contract language that fully prohibits inspections—this is a major red flag in itself.

B. Disclosure fraud by sellers

How disclosure fraud works

• Sellers intentionally omit known defects on disclosure forms.
• They hope:
  • Buyers won’t investigate.
  • Problems won’t surface until long after closing.

Red flags

• Disclosure forms that are suspiciously blank or “N/A” on everything.
• Evasive answers about past repairs, flooding, pests, or insurance claims.
• Physical evidence (like patched walls) that doesn’t match seller’s story.

What to tell buyers

• Disclosures are not guarantees; they’re just one data point.
• When the property’s history seems murky, consider:
  • Specialized inspections (roof, sewer line, foundation, mold).
  • Consulting a real estate attorney about local disclosure laws and remedies.

8. Fake Buyers, Sketchy Investors & International Buyer Scams

Some of the most subtle real estate scams target agents and sellers with bogus buyers and investors. These can waste enormous time and occasionally lead to direct financial losses.

A. The “fake buyer” with bogus proof of funds

How fake buyer scams work

• “Buyer” claims a very large budget and high profile (luxury homes, trophy properties).
• They name‑drop celebrities, companies, or royal families.
• They provide fake bank statements or letters that look official but:
  • Come from obscure institutions.
  • Have subtle formatting or logo issues.
• They:
  • Get properties under contract.
  • Request showings and inspections.
  • String everyone along with excuses about delayed wires and “bank errors.”
• In some cases, they use these contracts to scam others (e.g., selling “access” to the deal overseas).

Red flags

• Over‑the‑top self‑promotion and name‑dropping.
• Very little online footprint for someone claiming enormous wealth.
• Resistance to:
  • Third‑party verification of funds.
  • Direct calls to the bank or attorney on numbers you independently look up.
• Delays in providing real wire reference numbers.

How we vet these buyers

• Require proof of funds before serious off‑market access or contract acceptance.
• Call the bank’s main line (we look it up) to confirm the banker or letter’s legitimacy.
• Use short earnest money deadlines and automatic contract termination if funds don’t arrive.

B. Sketchy “cash investors” and contract assignment games

How some investor scams work

• Investor offers a strong “cash” price but minimal proof of funds.
• They write the contract intending only to:
  • Assign it to someone else, or
  • Use it as leverage to raise money.
• If they fail to find a buyer, they walk away, and your seller loses weeks of market time.

Red flags

• No references from other agents, title companies, or closing attorneys.
• Shaky proof of funds:
  • Names don’t match the buyer entity.
  • Documents are out of date or look altered.
• Reluctance to let a title company or attorney verify funds.

How to protect sellers

• Vet investors like any other buyer:
  • Ask for references and past closing history.
  • Verify funds where appropriate.
• Explain to sellers:
  • Why the “highest cash price” is not always the safest offer.
  • Why we sometimes prioritize verifiable, well‑qualified buyers over mystery investors.

C. International & foreign buyer scams

How cross‑border buyer scams show up

• “Foreign buyer” wants to purchase sight‑unseen with cash.
• They send a cashier’s check or money order for earnest money (often overpaying) and later request a refund.
• Or they request unusual payment handling that routes money through you or your client.

Red flags

• Vague, inconsistent personal information.
• Refusal to use reputable escrow and title companies.
• Overpayments followed by urgent refund requests.

Best practices for cross‑border real estate transactions

• Insist on using:
  • Well‑known escrow/title firms with international experience.
  • Standard procedures for KYC (Know Your Customer) and anti‑money‑laundering compliance.
• Allow sufficient time for all funds to clear before disbursing any money.
• If anything feels off, slow the transaction down and involve your broker and real estate attorney.

9. Moving Scams & Ancillary Service Rip‑Offs

Even after a smooth closing, clients can be hit by moving scams that turn a happy move‑in into a financial nightmare.

How moving scams work

• Movers offer a low “guaranteed” quote to win the business.
• Once belongings are packed and loaded, they:
  • Jack up the price with new “fees” and “adjusted weight” charges.
  • Refuse to unload until the inflated bill is paid—essentially holding items hostage.

Red flags

• No written estimate or contract.
• No DOT/MC number for interstate moves.
• No real online presence, reviews, or physical office address.
• Demands for large cash deposits before the move.

How we coach clients

• Get three written estimates from licensed, insured movers.
• Check the company:
  • On FMCSA’s database (in the U.S.) for license and complaint history.
  • On the Better Business Bureau and major review sites.
• Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than everyone else’s.

10. “Get Rich in Real Estate” Education & Seminar Scams

Not all real estate scams involve properties directly. Many hit aspiring investors with overpriced, low‑value “education” and get‑rich‑quick seminars.

How these schemes operate

• High‑energy free or low‑cost seminars promise:
  • Guaranteed wealth.
  • Insider secrets.
  • “No money down” riches.
• Attendees are upsold into:
  • Expensive courses and “inner circles.”
  • Coaching packages costing tens of thousands of dollars.
• Content delivered is generic and rarely worth the price.

Red flags

• Promises of guaranteed returns with little or no risk.
• Heavy emotional pressure and FOMO (“this is your one chance”).
• Vague curriculum and no meaningful refund policy.

What we tell would‑be investors

• Real wealth in property comes from:
  • Solid deals.
  • Time in the market.
  • Real due diligence—not magic shortcuts.
• Start with:
  • Books from reputable authors.
  • Local investor meetups.
  • Low‑cost online courses from established institutions.
• Be skeptical of anyone whose primary business is selling education rather than closing deals.

11. Subtle Traps Sellers Don’t Realize Are Risky

Some requests in normal transactions aren’t classic “scams” but can create huge liability for sellers. We treat these as risk‑management conversations with listing clients.

A. Early move‑ins and pre‑closing possession

• Letting buyers move in before closing or use the property for storage/events sounds helpful but:
  • Owner remains liable for injuries or damage.
  • If the deal falls apart, sellers now have occupants to remove.

We strongly recommend no pre‑closing occupancy unless structured through a formal agreement drafted by attorneys and clearly supported by insurance.

B. Unvetted showings and “door‑knock tours”

• People see the yard sign and ask to “take a quick look.”
• That exposes owners to:
  • Personal safety risks.
  • Potential theft.
  • Unqualified “buyers” wasting time.

Our rule: all showings go through the proper scheduling system, with buyer agents present and basic vetting in place.

C. Letting buyers perform work pre‑closing

• Buyers ask to:
  • Start remodeling.
  • Put in flooring.
  • Fumigate or tent for termites.
• If anything goes wrong, sellers still legally own the property and shoulder the damage.

We typically advise offering credits at closing instead of pre‑closing work.

12. Universal Red Flags in Real Estate Scams

While these property scams take many forms, the same warning signs show up again and again. We teach every client to watch for:

• Unsolicited contact about buying, selling, refinancing, or “saving” your home.
• Urgency and fear: “Act now or lose everything,” “Funds must be sent today.”
• Requests for secrecy or to cut out your agent, lawyer, or lender.
• Upfront fees for vague services, especially foreclosure relief or loan modification.
• Payment methods that are hard to reverse: wire transfers to individuals, crypto, gift cards, “friends & family” payment apps.
• Refusal to verify identity or provide traceable business details.
• Deals that feel too good to be true: below‑market prices, guaranteed returns, no‑risk investments.

13. How We Systematically Protect Clients from Real Estate Fraud

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to safeguard your deals. You need consistent systems. Here’s the playbook we follow and recommend.

A. Build a standard “scam briefing” into every intake

• At the first buyer or seller meeting, spend 5–10 minutes on:
  • Wire fraud and payment redirection.
  • Rental listing scams (for anyone renting out or between homes).
  • General red flags and how to reach you if something feels off.
• Give them a one‑page handout or PDF summarizing:
  • Key scams in plain language.
  • Three or four non‑negotiable safety rules.

B. Standardize how you communicate about money

• Include clear policies in your buyer/seller guides:
  • “We will never change wiring instructions by email or text.”
  • “Always call the title/escrow office on a verified number before sending any funds.”
• Coordinate with your title, escrow, and attorney partners so everyone’s telling clients the same thing.

C. Lock down your own systems

• Enable multi‑factor authentication on:
  • Email.
  • Cloud storage.
  • Transaction management platforms.
• Keep business devices updated and avoid logging into transaction email from public computers.
• Be extremely cautious about what closing details you share publicly or on social media.

D. Encourage “when in doubt, call me” behavior

We repeat this line constantly:

“If anything about money, wiring, new payment instructions, or a surprising offer doesn’t feel right—stop and call me immediately, even if it looks like it came from me.”

That single habit can prevent the worst forms of real estate fraud.

E. Report and share information when scams surface

• Document everything:
  • Emails, texts, phone numbers, screenshots, social media profiles.
• Report suspected real estate scams to:
  • Your broker and legal counsel.
  • State real estate commission or licensing authority.
  • Attorney General’s consumer protection division.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) where applicable.
  • Local law enforcement if money has been lost.
• Within your brokerage’s rules, share sanitized versions of scam attempts in office meetings so colleagues know what to watch for.

14. A Ready‑to‑Use Script to Share With Your Clients

You can paste this into an email, welcome packet, or buyer/seller guide:

How We’ll Protect You from Real Estate Scams

Real estate scams are common, but we can avoid them by following a few simple rules:

1. Never wire money based on emailed instructions alone. Always call the title or escrow office on a known, trusted phone number to confirm details.
2. Be skeptical of any last‑minute change in wiring, payment, or account information. Treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.
3. Don’t send deposits or rent for a property you haven’t verified in person (or through a trusted representative) and for which you haven’t signed a legitimate agreement.
4. If anyone promises to “save” your home from foreclosure for an upfront fee, talk to your lender or a HUD‑approved housing counselor first.
5. If something feels off—too good to be true, too rushed, secretive, or confusing—stop and call us before you send money, sign documents, or share personal information.

Staying skeptical, slowing down, and looping us in before you act are the best ways to protect yourself from real estate fraud.

15. Turning Scam Awareness into a Value Proposition

Protecting clients from real estate scams isn’t a side topic—it’s core to delivering real value as a real estate professional.

When we consistently educate clients about property scams and fraud prevention, we:

• Prevent life‑altering financial losses.
• Reduce liability for ourselves and our brokerages.
• Differentiate ourselves as strategic advisors, not just door openers.
• Earn deeper trust and more referrals from people who feel genuinely protected.

If you build this level of scam awareness into every buyer and seller interaction, you’re not just closing deals—you’re safeguarding one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions your clients will ever make.