Deed Fraud is on the Rise: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Now

Real estate scams are becoming more sophisticated — and one of the fastest-growing threats right now is deed fraud and fake property listings.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing has issued a public warning to both consumers and real estate professionals after receiving reports of scammers attempting to sell properties they do not own.

Here’s what that means for you — and how to protect yourself.

What Is Deed Fraud?

Deed fraud happens when someone pretends to be the property owner and tries to sell or transfer a property illegally.

In many recent cases:

• A scammer targets a vacant home, rental, or piece of land

• They contact a real estate agent claiming to be the owner

• They provide fake identification or forged documents

• They try to rush the sale and disappear with the money

The real owner often has no idea anything happened until much later.

Why This Scam Works

Scammers rely on a few key things:

• Properties that aren’t owner-occupied

• Owners who live out of state

• Pressure to move fast

• Transactions handled mostly online

That’s why extra verification matters — especially in today’s digital-first world.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply own property, be alert if you notice:

• Someone pushing for a quick sale with minimal paperwork

• A “seller” who avoids in-person meetings or live video calls

• Identification that seems inconsistent or hard to verify

• Requests to bypass normal steps or safeguards

• Listings that feel “too easy” or unusually urgent

If something feels off, it usually is.

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

If you own property — especially vacant land, rentals, or inherited property — you can take these simple steps:

✔ Monitor your property records through your county auditor or recorder
✔ Sign up for property or deed alert notifications if your county offers them
✔ Open and review mail related to your property — even if you’re not expecting it
✔ Contact your county recorder immediately if you see unfamiliar documents

Early detection is key.

What Buyers Should Know

If you’re buying a home or land:

✔ Work with licensed professionals
✔ Make sure a title search is completed
✔ Don’t rush a transaction because of pressure or promises
✔ Ask questions — a legitimate deal will stand up to scrutiny

Buying real estate should never feel secretive or hurried.

How I Help Protect My Clients

As part of my responsibility to clients, I take extra steps to:

• Verify ownership before listing a property

• Watch for red flags during transactions

• Work closely with title professionals

• Slow things down when something doesn’t add up

My goal is simple: protect your investment and your peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Deed fraud is real — but it’s also preventable.

Awareness, verification, and working with professionals who take this seriously can dramatically reduce your risk. If you ever have questions about a property, a listing, or something that doesn’t feel right, ask before you act.

That’s what I’m here for.