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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, in 2026, that last part is getting trickier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014or who\u2014you\u2019re dealing with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how real estate professionals can stay one step ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest red flags today is a fake property owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That doesn’t mean they own it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Urgency is often the scammer’s best friend.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A vacant property can look like an easy opportunity\u2014not just to a buyer, but to someone looking for a place to occupy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squatting situations can become complicated quickly, and the rules vary depending on where the property is located and the circumstances involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone is occupying a property without permission, don’t play amateur eviction manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And whatever you do, don’t assume you can simply change the locks or remove someone’s belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bad situation can get worse very quickly when you skip the proper process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vacant homes, second properties, inherited houses and empty lots can all attract unwanted visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news? Prevention can be surprisingly simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encourage property owners to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, don’t let the property scream, “Nobody’s watching!”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just when you think you’ve made it through the transaction, there’s another favorite: wire fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A criminal may impersonate an agent, title company, attorney or another trusted professional and send updated wiring instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The email might look perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The name might be right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The timing might make sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSquatters: When “Vacant” Doesn’t Mean Empty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don’t Forget About Trespassers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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And Then There’s Wire Fraud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n