Land and property scams are increasingly on the rise. Through vigilance, we can spot the warning signs. Please help us by submitting a reporting form for any suspicious persons or information.
- Prices below market value: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially if they involve rapid property flipping or overcomplicated transactions.
- High-pressure tactics: Scammers often try to rush you into a decision by creating a false sense of urgency, threatening to lose the deal if you don't act immediately.
- Seller's reluctance to disclose information: A legitimate seller will be happy to answer questions and provide information about the property, its history, and any issues.
- Unusual payment requests: Be cautious of requests to wire money, especially to overseas accounts, or to use untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: Legitimate real estate transactions require a lot of paperwork. Missing documents, typos, or mismatched signatures can be a sign of fraud.
- Property unavailable for inspection: If the seller refuses to allow you to inspect the property, it's a red flag.
- Unlicensed professionals: Always verify that the agent or seller is licensed and legitimate.
- Rapid property flipping or overcomplicated deals: These can be signs of money laundering or other illicit activities.
- Communication: A legitimate seller or agent will be responsive and readily available to answer questions.
- Lack of personal interaction: If the seller or agent refuses to meet in person or only communicates via email, it could be a red flag.
- Suspicious payment instructions: Be wary of requests to send money to untraceable accounts or using untraceable methods.
- Documentation issues: Look out for inconsistencies, typos, or missing documents in contracts and other legal paperwork.
- Lack of property knowledge: A legitimate seller should be familiar with the property and its details.
- Absence of a seller's attorney: In legitimate transactions, sellers often have a lawyer representing them.