Real Estate Scams in Florida How to Protect Yourself When Buying or Selling a Home
🏡 Real Estate Scams in Florida — How to Protect Yourself When Buying or Selling a Home
Real estate scams are on the rise across Florida, targeting buyers, sellers, and renters with sophisticated schemes that can fool even experienced investors. According to the FBI, nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing more than $173 million. Unfortunately, Florida remains one of the nation’s hotspots for wire fraud and title theft due to its active housing market and large number of remote closings.
As a Northeast Florida REALTOR® serving Clay County, Jacksonville, Orange Park, and St. Johns, I’ve seen firsthand how criminals exploit technology, fake listings, and wire transfer tricks to steal money and property. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, awareness and verification are your best defenses.
⚠️ Wire Transfer Fraud — The #1 Real Estate Scam in Florida
This scam typically strikes right before closing. Hackers spoof emails from real estate agents, lenders, or title companies, sending fake wiring instructions that redirect your closing funds into fraudulent accounts.
Losses average over $70,000 per victim, and most funds are never recovered.
Red flags include:
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Sudden changes to wiring instructions or new “urgent” emails
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Slightly altered email domains (e.g., “titlle-co.com”)
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Pressure to send funds immediately to avoid delays
Protect yourself:
Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a verified number—never by replying to an email. As your trusted local agent, I personally confirm closing details directly with title companies to safeguard my clients.
🏠 Rental Scams and Fake Listings
Rental listing scams are common across Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Fleming Island, where high demand makes renters more vulnerable. Fraudsters copy real listings or advertise fake ones at below-market rents, demanding deposits upfront for properties that don’t exist.
Watch for:
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Prices that seem too good to be true
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Landlords who can’t meet in person or claim to be overseas
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Requests for wire transfers or payment via gift cards
Always verify ownership through county property records and view the property in person before paying. Homeowners should also monitor for fake rental listings using their addresses.
🧾 Title and Deed Fraud — Stealing Homes in Broad Daylight
Title theft occurs when criminals forge signatures on quitclaim deeds to “transfer” your home into their name. Vacant or investment properties are prime targets. In Florida, title fraud cases have increased sharply as more transactions occur remotely.
Warning signs include:
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Unexpected mortgage notices or tax bills stopping
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Deed transfers you didn’t authorize
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Foreclosure notices for loans you never took
Check your county’s Property Fraud Alert program if they have one, and monitor public records. Title insurance offers extra protection.
👤 Fake Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors
Scammers now impersonate legitimate Realtors and property owners to trick unsuspecting victims. In one South Floridacase, a scammer stole a real agent’s identity and collected thousands in fake fees.
Before working with anyone:
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Verify real estate licenses through Florida DBPR
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Ask to meet in person or over video
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Confirm ownership via county records
As a licensed Florida REALTOR® (Mike Schwiebert, INI Realty), I always provide verifiable credentials, references, and transparent communication—something scammers never do.
💰 Bait-and-Switch & “We Buy Houses” Schemes
Some “cash buyers” or online investors lure sellers with inflated offers, then renegotiate last-minute or assign contracts for profit—leaving the seller with far less than market value. Always consult an experienced Realtor before accepting quick-cash deals.
✅ How to Protect Yourself in Florida Real Estate Transactions
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Work with verified professionals. Choose licensed Florida Realtors, attorneys, and title companies.
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Confirm all identities via official channels and photo ID.
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Secure your information. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
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Never rush. Scammers create urgency—slow down and verify.
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Use trusted payment methods. Never send funds without voice confirmation.
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Monitor your property through local fraud alert systems.
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Report fraud immediately to law enforcement and the FBI’s IC3.
🏡 The Bottom Line
Real estate scams in Florida are becoming more advanced, but with proper guidance, you can stay safe. Trust experience, not urgency.
If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Northeast Florida, I’ll help you navigate every step securely—verifying documents, coordinating with trusted title companies, and protecting your investment.
📞 Contact Mike Schwiebert, REALTOR®
904HomeStore.com | 904-562-9345
Serving Clay County, Lake Asbury, Jacksonville, and St. Johns County
Your home is one of your biggest investments—let’s make sure it’s protected.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center – https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf
- National Cybersecurity Alliance – https://staysafeonline.org/resources/5-common-real-estate-scams-you-need-to-know-about/
- Rocket Mortgage – https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/real-estate-scams
- Eftsure – https://www.eftsure.com/articles/wire-fraud-statistics/
- National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/wire-fraud
- MMBB – https://www.mmbb.org/article/unmasking-real-estate-scams/
- Federal Trade Commission – https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/rental-listing-scams
- Florida Realtors – https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2025/06/quitclaim-deed-fraud-rise-fbi-says
- American Land Title Association – https://www.alta.org/news/news.cfm?20231108-Over-Half-of-US-Real-Estate-Professionals-Experienced-a-Seller-Impersonation-Fraud-Attempt-in-2023
- NBC Washington – https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/scammers-impersonating-owners-in-vacant-land-sales/
- Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/t048-c050-s002-how-to-protect-your-home-from-deed-theft.html
- Federal Housing Finance Agency – https://www.fhfa.gov/AboutUs/Reports/ReportDocuments/FraudPrevention.pdf
- NBC Miami – https://www.nbcmiami.com/investigations/scammer-posing-as-realtor-costs-victims-thousands-and-unfairly-tarnishes-a-reputation/3598591/
