The Real Estate Scams You Need to Know About Right Now

The real estate market has always carried a level of risk, but over the past several months, the number of scams appearing in our local area has increased dramatically. As both a real estate agent and a property manager, I work daily with tenants, homeowners, buyers, sellers, and trusted local vendors—and what I’m seeing now affects everyone, not just renters.

Criminals are getting smarter, bolder, and more creative. The good news? Most scams fall apart the moment you slow down and verify the person you’re dealing with.

Below are the scams actively circulating in our market right now—and what you need to watch for.

Scam #1: The Fake Client Who Wants to “Deposit Funds”

This one is targeting landscapers, handymen, maintenance crews, and anyone offering home-related services.

Here’s how it works:

• A scammer pretends to be a homeowner or interested client.
• They request an estimate for work.
• Once they receive it, they offer to send a check for the full amount.
• They then ask you to deposit it and “pay other vendors” from your account.

This is a textbook check fraud scam. The check will bounce, the scammer will disappear, and the vendor will be left financially responsible for the money that was withdrawn.

If someone asks to deposit funds into your account so you can redistribute them, it is always a scam.

Scam #2: Rental Listings That Are Too Good To Be True

Tenants are being hit especially hard right now.

Scammers are copying real listings—photos, descriptions, even the exact addresses—and reposting them online for far below market rent. They respond quickly, sound friendly, and pressure potential tenants to send a security deposit to “hold the home.”

Once the money is sent, they vanish.

How to protect yourself:

• Verify the listing with a local brokerage.
• Check the MLS if you have access.
• Make sure the person you’re speaking with is a licensed agent.
• Look up the agent’s brokerage and contact them directly if anything feels off.

A legitimate agent will always confirm whether a home is actually available and will never pressure you to send money before proper verification.

Scam #3: Fake Listing Leads & “Interested Buyer” Calls

This scam is newer—and growing quickly.

Scammers are cold-calling landowners and property owners pretending to be interested buyers or representing interested buyers. They collect personal information under the guise of a real estate inquiry, then sell those “leads” to other agents or developers.

This wastes time, exposes personal details, and gives scammers access to sensitive information.

Your safest move is to work with real, local professionals you already know or can verify. A licensed agent with a reputable brokerage will never pressure you to share personal or financial information over the phone.

How to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Scams

Most scams collapse with one simple step: slow down and verify.

Before you send money, sign documents, or give out personal information:

• Ask questions.
• Verify phone numbers and email addresses.
• Look up the person’s brokerage or company.
• Call the office directly if you are unsure.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

You are never inconveniencing a professional by confirming their identity. You are protecting yourself, your finances, and your property.

If You’re Unsure, Call Me

If you think something is suspicious, or if you need help confirming whether a situation is real, reach out. I am always happy to look at what you are dealing with and help you determine whether it’s legitimate.

Staying alert is your best defense. When in doubt—verify, slow down, and reach out.