05/14/2026
🏡 Protect Yourself From Real Estate Fraud 🏡
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime Division’s 2025 annual report, to the tune of $275M, highlights a growing wave of online scams targeting home buyers and sellers during one of the biggest financial transactions of their lives.
Here are a few ways to help protect yourself:
🔐 Always verify wire instructions verbally
Never trust wiring instructions sent only by email or text. Call your title company or agent using a verified phone number before sending money.
📧 Watch for “urgent” last-minute changes
Fraudsters often hack email accounts and send fake updates right before closing. If anything suddenly changes, pause and verify.
🏢 Work with trusted professionals
Use licensed REALTORS®, reputable lenders, and established title companies. A strong team matters.
🛑 Don’t click suspicious links or attachments
Even emails that look legitimate can be spoofed. Double check sender addresses carefully.
📱 Enable two-factor authentication
Protect your email, banking, and cloud storage accounts with extra security layers.
📄 Review documents carefully
Scammers may alter contracts, payment information, or property details hoping you won’t notice under pressure.
👀 Monitor your credit and financial accounts
Large transactions can make you a target before, during, and after closing.
☎️ Contact your county recorder or auditor’s office.
Many counties now offer property fraud alert programs that notify you if a deed, mortgage, or transfer is filed under your name or property address. It’s a simple step that can help catch fraudulent transfers early.
Buying or selling a home is stressful enough without someone trying to take advantage of it. Slow down, verify everything, and ask questions. A legitimate professional will never make you feel rushed for protecting your money.