Real Estate Scams

One of the largest industries in existence is the buying and selling of real estate, and annual losses in real estate scams worldwide add up to billions of dollars lost. If buying or selling a house, commercial property, or land, you need to be careful to avoid falling victim to one. 

Real estate investment seminar scams, promising a formula for getting rich in real estate if only one invests, are common during both boom and bust cycles in the real estate market. 

Also, be sure to watch for real estate email scams in your inbox. 

 

Real Estate Scams: List Below

Other common real estate scams include fraudulent listings, such as pictures and descriptions that aren’t of the property that is being advertised for sale. 

Be careful in real estate dealings. Keep an eye on this page to learn about real estate scams as they emerge, and know how to spot them coming. See below:

Fake Owner Leasing Property

Real Estate Fraud: Fake Owner Leasing Property (with video below) The housing crisis has left many looking for reasonably priced rental homes in decent neighborhoods. Some are turning to posting online advertisements requesting affordable accommodations for their families. Sadly there are scammers that will take advantage of families who are just looking for a … Fake Owner Leasing Property Read More »

Fake Owner Leasing Property Read More

Flopping Houses

How the scam works: The down economy has caused a lot of homeowners to become 'underwater' on their mortgage, meaning they owe more on their mortgage than the home is worth. This leaves homeowners wanting to sell their homes to get financially ahead, but unable to do so because they will still owe money on … Flopping Houses Read More »

Flopping Houses Read More

The Dual Flush Toilet Installation aka The Low Flow Toilets Rebate Scam, Exposed

How the scam works: (with video below) One of the biggest scams out there this month is the Dual Flush Toilet Installation or Low Flow Toilets Rebate scam. Let's take a look. Many states and provinces are offering tax incentives or rebates to homeowners who are making a conscious effort at being energy proficient. These programs … The Dual Flush Toilet Installation aka The Low Flow Toilets Rebate Scam, Exposed Read More »

The Dual Flush Toilet Installation aka The Low Flow Toilets Rebate Scam, Exposed Read More

National Mortgage Settlement Deposit

How the scam works: In the United States, the government's $25 billion National Mortgage Settlement program alleviated the fear of foreclosure for many families, as it helped thousands of homeowners stay in their homes. Unfortunately this windfall also brought scammers out to prey upon unsuspecting homeowners who were already in dire financial straits. The National … National Mortgage Settlement Deposit Read More »

National Mortgage Settlement Deposit Read More

Revoked Real Estate License

Real Estate License Scam: How It Works Real estate agents are victims of a new scam which is spreading quickly all over the world. Any realtor will tell you that having and keeping a current license is crucial to their career. Without it, they are not allowed to work. The Real Estate License scam involves agents receiving … Revoked Real Estate License Read More »

Revoked Real Estate License Read More

Contaminated Properties

How the scam works: (with video below) In today's housing market it can be difficult for young couples to realize the dream of home ownership. Many couples choose purchasing a foreclosed home “as is” in order to secure a lower purchase price. There is a risk to buying these homes, as many are discovering the … Contaminated Properties Read More »

Contaminated Properties Read More

Solar Panels Fraud

Solar Panel Installations Scam: How It Works Solar panel installations and fake products – all are back in the news. This year one of the biggest scams around is the Solar Power System or Solar Panels for Your Home scam. It is part of the home improvement fraud group and is doing its rounds again. … Solar Panels Fraud Read More »

Solar Panels Fraud Read More

Real Estate Agent Impersonation

How the scam works: (with video) This is a new one to the world of scamming but apparently the game stakes are rising as people are taking legitimate real estate professionals and using their names to place bogus rent ads on Kijiji, Oodle, Gumtree, or Craigslist. Essentially these people are verifying themselves with another's credentials, … Real Estate Agent Impersonation Read More »

Real Estate Agent Impersonation Read More

Reverse Mortgage Lenders

How the scam works: (with video below) If you've heard about the term 'reverse mortgage' and consider doing it, beware of shady reverse mortgage lenders. Watch video below and read this article to educate yourself. First things first: how does a reverse mortgage work? A reverse mortgage happens when the homeowner takes out a cash … Reverse Mortgage Lenders Read More »

Reverse Mortgage Lenders Read More

Short Sales Fraud

How the scam works: (with video below) What is the short sale fraud? Using a “neutral” middleman, investors make a lowball offer on a house where the debt on the property is larger than its total value. Then they require the transaction to be completed right away. The estimates of home appraisers and price brokers … Short Sales Fraud Read More »

Short Sales Fraud Read More

Mexican Property Manager

How the scam works: You have just bought a small house in Mexico as an investment property. You can’t be there every month, maybe not even every year, so it is necessary to hire somebody local to take care of it. Whomever you decide upon, whether a property manager or somebody presenting themselves as the administrator of a … Mexican Property Manager Read More »

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Real Estate Leads And Mortgage Lead Generation Scam

Real Estate Leads/ Mortgage Lead Generation Scam: How It Works (with video below) Mortgage lead generation and fake services. This year, one of the biggest scams around is the Real Estate Leads or Mortgage Leads Generation scam. Let's take a closer look. You come across a company that promises a great opportunity to make money. … Real Estate Leads And Mortgage Lead Generation Scam Read More »

Real Estate Leads And Mortgage Lead Generation Scam Read More

Forensic Audit For Your Mortgage

How the scam works: Watch out for the Forensic Audit For Your Mortgage scam, happening these days. Let's say you are in a terrible financial position and it's a massive struggle for you to keep your home out of foreclosure. One day, you receive an email from a company who offers to check your loan documents … Forensic Audit For Your Mortgage Read More »

Forensic Audit For Your Mortgage Read More

Fake Landlord Renting Property

How the scam works: (with video below) With many foreclosures in the last few years, there are tons of properties that are lying empty. Scammers find these empty places, change the locks, and place an ad online or in the newspapers in the same day, representing themselves as the landlords offering the place for rent. … Fake Landlord Renting Property Read More »

Fake Landlord Renting Property Read More

Property Tax Assessment

How the scam works: (with video below) You receive an official looking e-mail or letter, informing you that your property tax has been reassessed and is now lower than last year. Scenario 1: The letter might have the letterhead of your city or county offices and contain a self-addressed envelope, with a PO Box, requesting you to … Property Tax Assessment Read More »

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