Real Estate Scams to Watch Out For: Stay Safe in Your Property Search

Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, the real estate world is filled with excitement—and unfortunately, a few bad actors. Scams have become more sophisticated, targeting buyers and sellers with tactics that can cost thousands. In Palm Coast and across Florida, staying informed is the best defense. This guide walks you through the most common real estate scams and how to protect yourself.

1. Rental Scams: Too Good to Be True?

The Scam: A fake landlord lists a rental property (often copied from a legitimate listing), asks for a deposit upfront, and then disappears once the money is sent.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• The listing is significantly cheaper than similar properties.

• The "landlord" refuses to meet in person.

• You're asked to send money before seeing the property.

• The communication is rushed or overly urgent.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always view the property in person before making any payment.

• Work with licensed property managers or Realtors.

• Be cautious of landlords who use personal email addresses instead of professional channels.

2. Wire Fraud During Closings

The Scam: Hackers intercept email communications between buyers and real estate agents or title companies. They send fake instructions with altered wiring details, tricking buyers into sending their down payment to a scammer’s account.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Last-minute changes to wiring instructions.

• Emails with slightly misspelled addresses or strange formatting.

• Pressure to act quickly.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify wire instructions with a phone call using a trusted number.

• Never email sensitive financial information.

• Confirm account details in person or over a secure line.

3. Fake Listings on Real Estate Sites

The Scam: Fraudsters duplicate real listings and post them as their own on free classified or rental platforms, often at lower prices to attract attention.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Listings with blurry or inconsistent photos.

• Duplicate listings with different contact info.

• The person listing can’t provide access to the home.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Search the photos or description online to see if it’s duplicated.

• Stick to trusted real estate platforms or local Realtor websites.

• Ask for the listing agent's license number and verify it with the state.

4. Foreclosure and "We Buy Homes" Scams

The Scam: Scammers offer to "help" distressed homeowners by offering cash for their home or promising foreclosure relief—only to take ownership fraudulently or charge high fees without results.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Pressure to sign over your deed.

• Unsolicited offers promising to save your home.

• High upfront fees for “foreclosure assistance.”

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always consult with a licensed real estate professional or attorney before signing anything.

• Be wary of companies not registered with the state.

• Use caution when dealing with unsolicited mailers or cold calls.

5. Title Fraud

The Scam: A criminal steals your identity and forges documents to transfer ownership of your property. They may even try to sell it without your knowledge.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Unexpected mortgage or ownership documents in your name.

• Notices from county records or tax offices about a change.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Sign up for property fraud alerts in your county.

• Monitor your property records regularly.

• Consider title insurance that includes fraud protection.

Bottom Line

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but knowledge is your best weapon. Whether you're buying your first home in Palm Coast, investing, or renting, working with a licensed Realtor and staying vigilant can make all the difference. Protect your money—and your peace of mind—by keeping these red flags in mind during every step of your real estate journey.