Real estate is full of surprises, but some of the stories I came across this year left me absolutely floored. Here’s a roundup of the most jaw-dropping scams I heard about—and the lessons we can take into 2025 to protect ourselves.
1. The Deepfake Obituary ScamThis one gave me chills. A scammer used AI to create a deepfake video of a deceased property owner (yes, deceased). They pulled her photo from an obituary and showed up on a Zoom call to “prove” their identity. Thankfully, the title company spotted enough red flags to shut this down before any damage was done.
Lesson Learned: Always loop in the title company early. They have resources to confirm ownership and sniff out scams like this one. And if a seller refuses to meet in person or dodges simple questions about the property, run the other way.
2. Fake Cashier’s ChecksPicture this: A buyer sends in a cashier’s check for a $100,000 deposit, pesters everyone for confirmation it’s cleared, and then backs out of the deal, requesting the money back as a wire transfer. A week later, the check bounces—it was fake all along.
Lesson Learned: Always verify cashier’s checks with the issuing bank. And here’s a rule I swear by: No wire transfers until both banks have fully cleared the funds.
3. Vacant Lot ScamsScammers love vacant lots—no mortgage, no liens, no one watching. They list these lots for quick sales way below market value, using fake documents and IDs. By the time anyone notices, the scammer is long gone with the money.
Lesson Learned: A quick phone call to the neighbors can save the day. Ask about the property’s owner and history. Also, avoid remote closings with sketchy notaries—let the title company handle that.
4. The Airbnb Long ConThis one’s wild. A scammer rented an Airbnb, figured out the lockbox code, and listed the place as a long-term rental on Facebook Marketplace. Renters paid deposits and moved in, only to find out later the scammer didn’t even own the property.
Lesson Learned: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Verify landlords or property managers by checking their licensing and asking for references from previous tenants.
5. Wire Fraud MadnessThis one terrifies me as a real estate agent. Scammers intercepted emails from a title company, changed the wire instructions, and posed as the company to steal a buyer’s funds. In one case, $4 million disappeared into offshore accounts within two hours.
Lesson Learned: Always, always call the title company to confirm wire instructions. Use a number you’ve looked up yourself—not one from an email or a random phone call. And let your buyers know to do the same.
What We Can All Take AwayReal estate scams are getting more sophisticated by the day, but staying alert and working closely with title companies and seasoned professionals it can go a long way in protecting transactions.
I’ve actually seen the vacant lot scam a few times in my own work, and it’s a great reminder of how creative scammers can get.
One of the key ways I advise my clients to protect themselves is by using a cashier’s check for closing whenever possible. It adds an extra layer of security and helps avoid potential fraud. If you’re ever in the process of buying or selling, it’s worth discussing these safeguards with your real estate agent or title company to make sure everything is handled securely!