Staying skeptical: One of the best ways to avoid real estate scams

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Published Date 5/2/2025

Scamming isn’t something exclusive to those faceless people who text you that you are going to get a call from the sheriff’s office if you don’t get in touch regarding some conjured-up billing error. In the world of real estate, it’s something much more and so sophisticated (financially speaking) you might never have known who you were responding to when getting an email, letter, or text.

Keep in mind that scammers are constantly looking for new ways to get your money, using the most convincing means possible. And with fraud tactics evolving every year, the only way to protect yourself is to stay informed, according to Sacramento-based attorney Thomas Webber.

Along with fellow attorney Tiffany Webber, he explains the top real estate scams of 2025, covering everything from wire fraud to vacant land schemes. Between them, they offer lots of food for thought to help you avoid falling victim to fraud.

“Wire fraud remains one of the most dangerous and costly scams in real estate,” say the two attorneys. “Scammers often impersonate closing attorneys or agents, sending fake wiring instructions to steal your funds. Always verify wire instructions directly with your attorney before transferring money.”

Vacant land scams represent one of the newer scams and are on the rise. “Fraudsters pose as property owners to sell land they don’t own,” says Webber. “These scammers often target out-of-state or absentee owners. Always verify ownership through official records and require in-person or notarized communication with the seller.”

And how about fraudsters who impersonate landlords? They set about creating fake rental listings to collect deposits or rent payments. Always verify ownership of the property and avoid paying money before seeing the home in person.

Another type of scam involves a voice or email offering to provide property records or deeds for a fee—even though these documents are often available for free from your local Register of Deeds. “If you receive mail or emails offering these ‘services’ double-check with your attorney or county office,” says Webber.

Real estate agents and their clients are frequent targets of phishing attacks. Their goal is to steal login credentials or financial information using fake emails. “Be cautious with links or attachments in emails and confirm the sender’s identity before responding,” says Webber.

His best advice is to (1) Always call your closing attorney directly using a trusted phone number to confirm wire details before sending money. (2) For vacant land transactions, request a title search or consult an attorney to verify the true owner of the property. (3) If you’re a Realtor, share best practices with buyers, sellers, and renters to help them recognize potential scams. And, (4) Avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive documents and implement strong passwords for all accounts.

“If something seems too good to be true—or if you’re being rushed into a decision—take a step back and consult a trusted professional.”

ThomasAWebber.com, TBWS

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