01/10/2026
SCAM ALERT – CHARLESTON REALTORS PLEASE READ!!
I am posting this to alert fellow real estate professionals in the Charleston area of an active attempted real estate fraud involving the following properties:
849 Colony Dr, Charleston, SC 29407
851 Colony Dr, Charleston, SC 29407
Multiple agents have been contacted by an individual attempting to fraudulently list these vacant lots for sale, claiming urgency and pushing for a quick transaction. The true property owners have confirmed that they have NO intention of selling these properties and have not authorized any agent to list, market, or negotiate on their behalf.
" The impersonator/fraudster has been using falsified copies of the drivers licenses of the actual property owners in order to impersonate them. These fake IDs are being sent to agents as "proof" of identity, making this scam particularly sophisticated and dangerous. Tactics may vary!
If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be the owner or representative of 849 or 851 Colony Dr:
• Do NOT proceed with a listing agreement
• Do NOT accept documents, wire instructions, or proof of ownership at face value
• Immediately cease communication
• Contact local authorities and your brokerage leadership right away
This appears to be a deliberate attempt at seller impersonation fraud, which has become increasingly common with vacant land transactions. Please exercise heightened due diligence and independent verification on all vacant lot listings—especially when the “seller” is remote, pressures urgency, resists in-person or video verification, or provides only digital copies of identification.
Sharing this post may help prevent financial loss, legal exposure, and harm to clients or fellow agents. If you have already been contacted regarding these properties, please report it to protect the integrity of our market.
