Hey there, savvy home searchers! Here are the top 5 ways to prevent real estate fraud

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, staying alert is key, especially when it comes to fraud. Technology may have given fraudsters new tools, but guess what? It's also armed us with the smarts to spot them. Here's a quick rundown on keeping your real estate transactions safe and sound.

Staying One Step Ahead:

Real estate fraud has many faces - from homeowners to lenders, everyone's a target. But the biggie? Wire fraud. Imagine, you're about to close a deal, and bam! A cybercriminal swoops in with fake wiring instructions. Yikes!

Spotting the Red Flags:

Ever get a last-minute email changing payment details? Major red flag! Always double-check by calling a known number - don't let those sneaky emails trick you.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:

Real estate agents, listen up! Partner with your title agents, educate your clients, and set up protocols. Remind everyone: sharing sensitive info like Social Security numbers over email is a no-go. And hold off on those social media announcements until the deal's done.

Property Scams – They're Real Too:

Vacant lot scams, title fraud, inflated appraisals – the list goes on. Keep your eyes peeled for properties sold under shady circumstances or at weirdly low prices. Here’s a previous article I wrote on title fraud

Your Gut Knows Best:

At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If a deal feels off, it probably is. Appraisers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders – you're all part of a team that keeps the real estate market honest and authentic.

And here's the cherry on top: Want to keep your home search private and avoid big portals snooping around your data then selling your personal contact info and search patterns to their advertisers? Visit Search Homes in Private for a worry-free, secure home searching experience. Say goodbye to data mining and hello to peace of mind! 🏡✨

The above information was sourced from the following person with my gratitude for her permission to post it here.