Your agents can help stop fraudsters by identifying suspicious situations early. Recommend they think twice when they encounter the following circumstances:
It may be a red flag when the seller:
- Refuses to meet in person or over video
- Only wants to communicate via text or email
- Has an ID that doesn’t match the name on the deed or title
- Uses a passport as identification
- Has no acquisition documents such as a title policy or survey
- Claims to be out of town and cannot attend the closing in person
- Is looking for a quick sale
- Prefers a cash offer
- Is willing to accept less than the market price
- Has a suspicious phone number and/or wire instructions.
It may be a red flag if the property
- Is unimproved and unoccupied
- Involves tenants who should not be disturbed
- has a recently released lien that didn’t involve a title company.
Learn more in these articles from Texas REALTOR® magazine
Look Out for Rental Fraud, Especially Online
What You Can Do to Prevent Fraud
Seller Impersonation Fraud: Red Flags and Best Practices
How You and Property Owners Can Stop Seller Impersonation Fraud
