10/17/2026
⚠️ There has been an alarming increase in reports of real estate fraud associated with vacant and unencumbered property. ⚠️
Avoid falling for these scams with these helpful tips:
1️⃣ Be on alert when a seller accepts an offer below market value in exchange for a cash payment and/or quick closing.
2️⃣ Conduct an independent search for the identity of the subject property owner.
3️⃣ If the property is owned by an LLC or corporation, check the Secretary of State corporate records online to find the name and address of the manager, registered agent and officers.
4️⃣ Request an in-person or virtual meeting to see the seller's government-issued identification.
5️⃣ Request a copy of a property tax bill or other documentation that confirms the seller's ownership in the parcel of land or unencumbered property.
6️⃣ Ask the alleged owner specific questions not readily available to the public (i.e. when the land was purchased and the purchase price).
7️⃣ Be leery of sellers who refuse to sign closing documents in person.
8️⃣ Never allow a seller to arrange their own notary.
9️⃣ Be alert when documents are signed outside of your presence. Carefully review all signatures and notary blocks.
🔟 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀.
