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The conversation started like any typical interaction with a homeowner looking to sell their property. We discussed the current market conditions and revisited the property’s previous listing history — including that the last agent had failed to sell it, eventually pulling it off the market 60 days later. The seller mentioned they were now living out of state and wanted to re-evaluate their approach with a new agent, potentially adjusting both the price and marketing strategy.
At first glance, everything seemed legitimate. I cross-checked their out-of-state location with public records, which appeared to align with their story. Their Hotmail email address used their name — nothing seemed suspicious there — and while their phone number was unlisted, which wasn’t unusual for higher-profile clients. Plus, my online search revealed no scam alerts tied to the number.
Our communication progressed smoothly through calls, texts, and emails as we ironed out details like the price, my compensation, and listing timelines. After finalizing everything with an e-signed contract, I moved forward, and within a few weeks, the listing was live.
Then came the call.
Just seven hours after the property hit the market, I received a phone call from a man who introduced himself as the actual owner — and that’s when things took a sharp turn. He informed me this wasn’t the first time the property had been fraudulently listed; the same thing had happened during its previous market appearance. The reason the earlier listing had been pulled, he explained, was because he discovered the scam and had the listing removed. Unfortunately, the prior agents never reported the incident, allowing the scammer to attempt it again — this time, through me.
This experience wasn’t just a wake-up call; it highlighted how seemingly legitimate interactions can slip through even the most diligent checks. It also underscored the importance of reporting scams immediately to prevent history from repeating itself.
Why listing scams are on the rise
Unlike home sales, land transactions often skip in-person meetings or property access, which makes it easier for scammers to impersonate legitimate owners without detection. Additionally, many deals fail to verify seller identity upfront, allowing fraudulent transactions to slip through the cracks unnoticed — often until it’s too late.
Watch for these red flags
- Repeated use of the same property – Scammers often recycle the same land listings.
- Untraceable phone numbers – Many use unlisted numbers that don’t trigger spam alerts.
- Suspicious emails – Fraudsters often mimic the property owner’s name in their email addresses.
- Public records & MLS misuse – Scammers exploit MLS history and public records to appear credible.
- Delayed discovery – Many fraudulent transactions go undetected until months after closing.
Where processes often fail
While efficient processes help maintain consistency, they aren’t always flexible enough to catch scams in every situation. In typical real estate transactions, touring a property in person serves as a safeguard to verify authenticity and prevent fraud. But in land sales —where no physical structure exists — this vital step is often skipped, leaving a gap for scammers to exploit.
By leveraging public data, crafting emails that mimic legitimate sellers, and using MLS history (sometimes gathered from previous scams), fraudsters build a convincing narrative. These gaps allow them to establish false credibility that wouldn’t pass scrutiny in a traditional sale.
How to protect yourself & your clients
- Verify the seller’s identity – Always request official identification before moving forward.Â
- Cross-check public records – Confirm that ownership details align with county or city records.
- Be cautious of urgency – If a seller insists on a fast, remote closing, take extra care to verify legitimacy.
- Use a service. There are services that scour MLS listings and the internet to suss out fraudulent rental and for-sale listings. Consider signing up for one.
Taking these extra steps can help prevent major financial and legal consequences later. If something feels off, trust your instincts and dig deeper.
Scams like these are becoming increasingly common, and no agent is immune. We can better protect our clients and our industry by staying vigilant and updating our practices.
Adam Pretorius is a luxury real estate expert with Lepic-Kroeger Realtors in Iowa City. Adam specializes in high-end new builds, resales, and design-driven real estate strategies.Â
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