The Spalding Group

02/20/2026

DRE Urges California Seniors Watch for Targeted Real Estate and Property Scams

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages seniors to be aware of real estate and mortgage fraud targeting older adults. Scammers increasingly target seniors with real estate and mortgage-related deception, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.
The following tips aim to help Californians safeguard themselves before harm is done, as well as how to report this type of fraud.
Fraud Avoidance Tips:
Be vigilant, diligent, and suspicious, and proceed very cautiously, when contacted by strangers.
Use only DRE licensees when engaging the services of people or companies offering rental, home loan, foreclosure rescue, or other real estate services on your behalf.
Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone, in connection with real estate transactions; Also, be certain to protect your personal information, such as social security number, so scammers cannot steal your identity.
Never pay anyone for home loans or foreclosure relief services in advance of successfully completing the work you wanted them to do for you.
Never sign an agreement for a real estate transaction (including a Rental) or a home loan that you cannot afford.
Never sign a real estate (including Rental) or home loan agreement that you do not understand or have not read, or which contains blank spaces.
Anyone (including scammers without an appropriate or legitimate California license) can advertise on television or radio, in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet.
Just because someone looks professional, sounds like an expert, and/or gives you confidence in their real estate knowledge, does not mean that you can or should trust them.
Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. Also, never sign a “power of attorney” giving rights to your property or money to any individual – or any company – you do not personally know and trust.
Monitor and periodically check the title to your real estate holdings, just like you check your credit reports; and act immediately if you detect fraud.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

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