Your Ultimate Guide To Stopping Property Fraud

The threat of real estate deception is expanding, potentially costing you thousands, your home, and your emotional well-being



Protecting yourself requires vigilance, knowledge, and proactive steps at every stage of the buying, selling, or وکیل ملکی در کرج renting process



One of the most common forms of fraud involves identity theft, where scammers pose as property owners to sell or refinance homes they do not legally own



To protect yourself, demand valid identification — like a state-issued photo ID and the official property deed — from anyone claiming to own or rent the property



Validate these documents by contacting your county’s land records office, where official ownership records are publicly stored



Fraudsters often fabricate paperwork to deceive buyers and sellers



Scammers produce convincing forgeries of settlement papers, title deeds, or loan statements designed to look authentic



Carefully examine every page of paperwork before committing your signature, and don’t accept promises made only in conversation



If something feels off — such as unusual payment instructions, pressure to act quickly, or requests to wire money to unfamiliar accounts — pause and consult a trusted professional



Always work with licensed, reputable escrow companies, and refuse to transfer money to private individuals unless you’ve independently confirmed their legitimacy



Exercise caution with unexpected proposals, particularly ones offering unrealistically favorable deals



If you’re approached by someone saying they’ve discovered a steal of a deal or will pay top dollar for your house without even seeing it, you’re probably being targeted



Legitimate buyers and agents do not operate this way



Always work with licensed real estate professionals and verify their credentials through your state’s real estate licensing board



When buying a home, obtain a thorough title search and purchase title insurance



A title investigation uncovers outstanding debts, legal conflicts, or ownership claims, and insurance shields you from undiscovered problems that surface later



Too often, fraud is only uncovered after the transaction closes — making title insurance a non-negotiable safeguard



Never expose sensitive data unless absolutely required



Never disclose your SSN, banking info, or deed reference unless it’s mandatory and you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy



Shred any documents containing personal data and monitor your credit reports regularly for unauthorized activity



Fraudsters may use stolen information to open loans in your name or forge signatures on property transfers



Should you detect potential fraud, alert your local police, the FTC, and your state’s attorney general right away



The faster you respond, the higher your likelihood of preventing further damage and retrieving your money



Stay informed by joining no-cost workshops hosted by consumer advocacy groups or real estate boards



Keep up with emerging scams happening locally



Finally, trust your instincts



If it seems suspicious, it likely is



Take the time to double check facts, consult experts, and avoid rushing into decisions



Real estate transactions are among the largest financial commitments most people make, and protecting yourself is not just smart — it’s necessary