Insider Discussion – Real Estate Scams Are On the Rise
Insider Discussion – Real Estate Scams Are On the Rise
Would you believe scammers are pretending to own vacant land and trying to sell it? It almost happened right here in Allen County this week.
I got a call from someone claiming to own a piece of land and wanting to list it. Something didn’t feel right — the voice, the details, the phone number — so I checked. Turns out, the real owner lives out of state and is much older. The caller was a total imposter trying to sell land that wasn’t theirs. These scams are becoming more common because vacant land doesn’t have a mortgage or regular oversight. That makes it an easy target.
I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.
Would You Believe Scammers Are Pretending to Own Vacant Land and Trying to Sell It?
It almost happened right here in Allen County this week.
I got a call from someone claiming to own a piece of land and wanting to list it for sale. Something didn’t feel right — the voice, the details, the phone number — so I checked. Turns out, the real owner lives out of state and is much older. The caller was a total imposter trying to sell land that wasn’t theirs.
Sadly, this type of scam is becoming more common across the country — and vacant land is a prime target.
Why Vacant Land Scams Are on the Rise
Scammers know that vacant land is often:
- Free of mortgages, so there’s no lender keeping tabs on it.
- Unmonitored, since owners may live out of state or visit infrequently.
- Publicly searchable, with ownership details easily found online through tax records.
That makes it easy for fraudsters to pose as the owner, contact a real estate agent, and try to sell the land — often below market value — before anyone catches on.
Other Real Estate Scams to Watch Out For
While vacant land scams are on the rise, they’re just one of many real estate fraud schemes circulating today. Here are a few others making the rounds:
- Wire Fraud During Closings
Criminals hack into email chains between buyers, sellers, and title companies, then send fake “updated wiring instructions.” Victims unknowingly transfer their closing funds to the scammer’s account. - Fake Rental Listings
Scammers copy legitimate listings and post them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace at a low rent. They collect deposits or application fees from multiple victims and disappear. - Title or Deed Fraud
Criminals forge documents to transfer ownership of a property into their own name, then take out loans against it or even sell it. - Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Homeowners struggling to make payments are targeted by fake “consultants” promising to stop foreclosure in exchange for upfront fees — then never deliver. - Overpayment or Check Scams
Someone offers to buy or rent your property and sends a check for more than the amount due. They ask you to refund the difference before the check bounces.
How to Protect Yourself
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply owning real estate, a few extra precautions can protect you from becoming the next victim.
For Landowners
- Monitor your property records at least once a year through your county assessor or recorder’s office.
- Keep your mailing address up to date with the county to ensure you receive any notices about changes to your property.
- Use title protection or identity monitoring services that alert you if someone tries to transfer your title.
- Work only with trusted, local real estate professionals who verify identities and ownership through public records.
For Buyers
- Verify the seller’s identity before signing anything. Ask for a government-issued ID and confirm ownership through county property records.
- Insist on professional title work and closing through a legitimate title company or attorney. Never wire funds without verbal confirmation using verified contact information.
- Be cautious of below-market deals or sellers who rush you to close quickly.
For Agents and Investors
- Watch for inconsistencies — different phone numbers, unclear ownership details, or reluctance to provide ID.
- Call the owner directly using contact information from public tax records, not the one provided by the caller.
- Report suspicious activity to your local REALTOR® association or law enforcement.
The Bottom Line
If something feels off — stop and double-check. It’s better to be cautious than caught.
Vacant land and property scams are evolving, but so are the tools to stop them. With the right safeguards, you can protect your property, your money, and your peace of mind.
Michael J Archbold
Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro
RE/MAX Results
8101 Coldwater Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
c. 260-579-1516
e. Mike@MikeArchbold.com
w. www.MikeArchbold.com
Oh, by the way… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?
Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.
Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.
The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.
“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“
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Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.
Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.
Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Real Estate Scams Are On the Rise …
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The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.
