Real Estate Fraud in 2025: What Buyers & Sellers Must Know
Real Estate Fraud Is Rising Fast – Here’s What Every Buyer & Seller Needs to Know in 2024
Real estate fraud is on the rise—and not just by a little. With scammers getting more sophisticated and tech-savvy, even seasoned investors and everyday homeowners are being caught off guard. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling land you’ve owned for years, it’s time to stay alert.
🔍 The Two Big Scams in 2024
1. Wire Fraud
Wire fraud continues to be the most damaging scam in real estate. It happens when criminals hack or spoof emails and convince buyers to send down payments or closing funds to fake bank accounts.
In 2024, real estate wire fraud losses ballooned to $446 million annually, according to the FBI and NAR.
Scammers often impersonate title agents or attorneys right before closing.
Over 13,000 victims per year, with many losing $70,000 or more per transaction.
👉 Learn more from NAR's report
2. Title & Deed Fraud
Vacant landowners and absentee sellers are increasingly being impersonated in fraudulent title transfers.
A 2024 NAR survey revealed that 63% of REALTOR® associations experienced deed or title fraud in the past 12 months.
The most vulnerable properties are vacant or undeveloped land.
Criminals forge IDs and pose as property owners to list and sell real estate they don’t own.
😬 Buyer & Seller Beware
Over 1 in 4 consumers receive a fraudulent message during their transaction.
22% of scam attempts appear to impersonate real estate agents.
Shockingly, most buyers and sellers say they weren’t warned about fraud risks by anyone involved in the transaction.
👉 Source
✅ What You Can Do Right Now
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company or attorney—using a phone number you trust, not one from an email.
Work only with trusted professionals who educate you about fraud risks.
Sign up for property fraud alerts if your county offers them.
Double-check seller identities—especially for vacant lots or inherited land.
🤝 Final Thoughts
The scammers aren’t going away—but neither am I. I’m here to protect my clients, educate them, and help them navigate these dangers with confidence.
📲 If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s talk before anything gets risky.
Call or text me at 501-291-1495
Or visit HawkTheRealtor.net
Let’s protect your dream before it becomes a nightmare.
📚 Sources:
NAR Title & Deed Fraud Survey: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/deed-and-title-fraud-survey
NAR Wire Fraud & Mortgage Risk: https://www.nar.realtor/wire-fraud
NAR on Consumer Risk: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/technology/consumers-agents-arent-warning-us-enough-about-scams
