The threat of real estate deception is expanding, potentially costing you thousands, your home, and your emotional well-being

Protecting yourself requires vigilance, knowledge, and proactive steps at every stage of the buying, selling, or renting process

Many fraud cases stem from criminals impersonating homeowners to illegally transfer or refinance properties they don’t own

To guard against this, always verify the identity of the seller or landlord by requesting official documentation such as a government issued photo ID and a copy of the property deed

Verify the details through your regional property records department, the only authoritative source for legal ownership history

Another frequent scam involves forged documents

Fraudsters may create fake closing documents, deeds, or mortgage statements that appear legitimate

Never sign anything without reading it thoroughly — verbal guarantees are not legally binding and are often misleading

If something feels off — such as unusual payment instructions, pressure to act quickly, or requests to wire money to unfamiliar accounts — pause and consult a trusted professional

Always work with licensed, reputable escrow companies, and refuse to transfer money to private individuals unless you’ve independently confirmed their legitimacy

Exercise caution with unexpected proposals, particularly ones offering unrealistically favorable deals

If you’re approached by someone saying they’ve discovered a steal of a deal or will pay top dollar for وکیل ملکی کرج your house without even seeing it, you’re probably being targeted

Trusted real estate representatives never bypass verification, inspections, or legal protocols

Only collaborate with individuals officially licensed by your state’s real estate authority, and confirm their status online

You must conduct a full title review and invest in title insurance when acquiring property

Title searches expose encumbrances and disputes, while title insurance offers financial protection against past errors or fraudulent claims

Many scams go undetected until after the sale, so having this protection is essential

Keep your personal information secure

Avoid sharing sensitive details like your Social Security number, bank account information, or property deed number unless absolutely necessary and only with verified parties

Always destroy sensitive paperwork and routinely review your credit file for signs of identity misuse

Thieves often use your personal records to take out loans in your name or fake your signature on real estate documents

If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to your local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, and your state’s attorney general

The sooner you act, the greater your chance of stopping the scam and recovering your losses

Enhance your awareness through free educational events provided by trusted consumer and real estate organizations

Be aware of the latest fraudulent schemes impacting your region

Listen to your gut feeling

Your intuition is often your best defense

Verify every detail, seek professional advice, and never let pressure force you into haste

Real estate transactions are among the largest financial commitments most people make, and protecting yourself is not just smart — it’s necessary