Real estate fraud is no longer a rare occurrence but a growing threat impacting landowners across the United States. From seller impersonation scams to fraudulent deed filings, bad actors are finding new ways to exploit property owners, particularly those with vacant or rural land.

As discussed in a recent National Land Podcast episode, these scams are happening more often than many people realize. For landowners, understanding how these scams work and how to prevent them is essential to protecting one of their most valuable assets.

Here’s what to know about real estate scams in 2026 and how to keep yourself safe!

What Is Real Estate Fraud?

Real estate fraud is a broad term that includes several types of scams, but one of the fastest-growing is seller impersonation fraud. In these cases, a scammer pretends to be the legal owner of a property and attempts to sell it without the true owner’s knowledge. These scams often overlap with identity theft, wire fraud, and title fraud, making them especially difficult to detect.

Oftentimes, these scams are not simple or random attacks, but rather coordinated and organized campaigns from groups of bad-faith actors. Their fraud attempts are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, so landowners need to stay on their toes to keep themselves and their land safe.

Why Vacant Landowners Are the Primary Target

Vacant land is especially vulnerable to fraud, largely because no one is physically present to monitor the property. Jeramy Stephens, Director of Compliance and Licensing, noted that scammers often target out-of-state owners who may not regularly check on their property. “They don’t drive by the property every day, so they don’t really have an idea of what’s going on,” he said. Properties that are owned free and clear, inherited, or rarely visited are particularly attractive to fraudsters.

How Seller Impersonation Scams Work

These scams typically follow a clear pattern. Scammers start by researching public records to identify a property and its owner, often looking for land that has been recently inherited, as new grieving owners are less likely to catch on to this kind of fraud compared to a seasoned landowner. They then create a fake identity, often using the real owner’s name, and contact a real estate agent to list the property. 

NE Land Broker Ryan Schroeter explained that in many cases, “they’re using the property owner’s exact name,” which makes the scam appear legitimate. The scammer will usually avoid in-person meetings, communicate primarily via email, and push for a quick sale at a below-market price to attract buyers. By the time the real owner realizes the fraud has happened, the buyers’ money is usually gone, with the impersonator nowhere to be found.

Title Fraud and Deed Theft: Another Growing Threat

In addition to impersonation scams, landowners should also be aware of title fraud, where fraudulent documents are filed to transfer ownership of a property. In some cases, scammers may even attempt to take out loans against the property after falsely claiming ownership. These situations can take weeks or months to uncover, especially if the owner is not actively monitoring their property records.

How Landowners Can Protect Themselves

Monitoring property records through county alert systems is a simple and effective first step. Working with experienced land professionals and reputable title companies can also help identify suspicious activity early in the process. Verifying all transaction details, especially wiring instructions, and safeguarding personal information are equally important. Landowners should also take care to protect their personal information as much as possible and stay engaged with their property, especially if it’s out of state or raw/vacant land. 

Red Flags to Watch For

Although these scams can be sophisticated, there are warning signs that landowners and buyers alike should watch for.

Common red flags include:

• Requests to communicate only via email or text
• Pressure to close quickly
• Unusual or below-market pricing
• Inconsistent or vague answers about the property
• Refusal to meet in person or verify identity

As Stephens noted, “If it doesn’t seem right… then more than likely, there’s more to it.”

Ultimately, awareness is the most effective defense against real estate fraud. These scams are becoming more sophisticated, and even experienced professionals can be targeted. Staying informed, asking questions, and taking proactive measures can help ensure your property remains secure.

If you have questions about real estate fraud in your area or how you can protect yourself and your property, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!