Real estate is all about trust. Buyers trust their agents. Sellers trust their brokers. And everyone hopes the person on the other side of the transaction is actually who they say they are.
Unfortunately, in 2026, that last part is getting trickier.
Scammers are becoming more convincing, vacant properties are attractive targets, and even a simple listing can turn into a headache if you don’t know what—or who—you’re dealing with.
Here’s how real estate professionals can stay one step ahead.
The Seller Might Not Be the Seller
One of the biggest red flags today is a fake property owner.
A scammer may contact an agent claiming to own a home, vacant lot, or investment property. They may know the property’s history, value, and even details about the neighborhood.
That doesn’t mean they own it.
Today’s fraudsters can gather plenty of information online and use it to create a very believable story. That’s why “they seem legit” isn’t enough anymore.
Before taking a listing, make sure ownership and identity can be independently verified. If the seller refuses reasonable verification or insists everything needs to happen immediately, slow things down.
Urgency is often the scammer’s best friend.
Squatters: When “Vacant” Doesn’t Mean Empty
A vacant property can look like an easy opportunity—not just to a buyer, but to someone looking for a place to occupy.
Squatting situations can become complicated quickly, and the rules vary depending on where the property is located and the circumstances involved.
If someone is occupying a property without permission, don’t play amateur eviction manager.
Instead, document what you know, notify the owner, involve your broker, and recommend appropriate legal assistance. Depending on the situation, local authorities or an attorney may need to get involved.
And whatever you do, don’t assume you can simply change the locks or remove someone’s belongings.
A bad situation can get worse very quickly when you skip the proper process.
Don’t Forget About Trespassers
Vacant homes, second properties, inherited houses and empty lots can all attract unwanted visitors.
The good news? Prevention can be surprisingly simple.
Encourage property owners to:
- Keep landscaping maintained.
- Use exterior lighting.
- Secure doors and windows.
- Check vacant properties regularly.
- Consider appropriate cameras or security systems.
- Make sure mail and deliveries don’t pile up.
Basically, don’t let the property scream, “Nobody’s watching!”
And Then There’s Wire Fraud
Just when you think you’ve made it through the transaction, there’s another favorite: wire fraud.
A criminal may impersonate an agent, title company, attorney or another trusted professional and send updated wiring instructions.
The email might look perfect.
The name might be right.
The timing might make sense.
Verify anyway.
Never rely solely on an email or text when money is involved. Confirm wiring instructions using a trusted phone number or another independent method.
Your Best Tool? A Good Process
The biggest lesson for 2026 is that fraud prevention shouldn’t rely on gut instinct.
Create a simple system.
Verify the person. Verify the property. Verify the money. And when something feels off, pause.
That extra five minutes could save your client—and your brokerage—a massive headache.
Real estate professionals don’t need to become detectives. But they do need to be comfortable asking questions, documenting what they find, and escalating concerns when necessary.
Because in 2026, the smartest real estate professional isn’t the one who closes the fastest.
It’s the one who knows when to stop and verify.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“How to Handle Scammers, Squatters and Trespassers”
National Association of REALTORS®
