We don’t talk about this enough, but real estate scams are very real — and they’re getting more sophisticated.
From fake listings to wire fraud, scammers are targeting both renters and buyers who are just trying to find a home.
Whether you're planning to move soon or just browsing Zillow at midnight, here are some of the most common scams happening right now — and how to avoid getting caught in one.
1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Rental Scam
How it works:
You find a rental listing online that looks amazing — great photos, perfect location, super low price. You message the “landlord,” and they say:
“I’m out of town, but if you send a deposit, I’ll mail you the keys.”
🚨 Red flag: The scammer doesn’t actually own the property — they’ve stolen photos from another listing and created a fake ad.
How to avoid it:
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Never wire money or send payment before seeing a rental in person
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Always verify the owner or property manager’s identity
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Cross-check listings — if it appears on multiple sites with different prices or contact info, that’s suspicious
2. The Wire Fraud Scam (Happens During Escrow)
This one targets actual homebuyers, right before closing.
How it works:
A scammer hacks into your email or a title company’s email and sends you a message that looks exactly like your real closing instructions. The email says:
“Please wire your down payment to this account.”
You wire it. It disappears. Forever.
How to avoid it:
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Always call your agent or escrow officer directly to confirm wiring instructions
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Don’t trust last-minute changes to bank info via email
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Use encrypted email whenever possible
3. The Fake “For Sale by Owner” Scam
How it works:
A scammer lists a property that isn’t actually for sale — often one that’s vacant or recently rented. They pretend to be the owner and try to get earnest money or personal info.
How to avoid it:
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Check public records to verify ownership
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Be skeptical of sellers who won’t show ID or speak on the phone
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Work with a licensed agent who can validate every listing and seller
4. Phishing & Identity Theft
Some scams don’t involve a fake property — just fake emails or websites designed to steal your info.
You might get:
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A “credit check” link that steals your SSN
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A fake lender asking for sensitive info
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A cloned website pretending to be Zillow or your agent
How to avoid it:
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Don’t click links from unknown sources
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Only share personal info with verified professionals
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If anything feels off — ask your agent (that’s literally why we’re here)
Real estate should be exciting — not risky.
And while scams are out there, the good news is: they’re easy to avoid when you know what to watch for and have the right people in your corner.
If you’re ever unsure about a listing, a landlord, a lender, or anything else real-estate-related — I’m happy to double-check it for you. No cost, no pressure. Just looking out for you.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, I’d love to help you navigate the process with confidence. Call/text me at 773-865-5661 or email me at [email protected]
