RE Update – August 2026

A few months ago, we shared information about the property notification services available through the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office. These free alerts notify homeowners whenever a document is recorded against their property, giving owners an early warning if unauthorized activity occurs.

Unfortunately, title and deed fraud continue to increase across the country. I recently completed additional training on real estate fraud prevention, and it reinforced how important it is for homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals to stay alert throughout every transaction.

Warning Signs During a Home Sale

While many of these situations can be completely legitimate on their own, several occurring  together may warrant additional verification.

Be cautious if a seller:

• Wants to sell significantly below market value.
• Is pushing for an unusually fast closing.
• Insists on an all-cash transaction.
• Wants the simplest transaction possible with minimal documentation.
• Lives out of the area or overseas.
• Refuses to participate in a video or in-person meeting.
• Conducts the entire transaction remotely.
• Owns the property free and clear but cannot provide basic ownership documentation.
• Requests communication only through apps such as WhatsApp.
• Refuses to provide a physical mailing address for documents.

These circumstances don’t automatically indicate fraud, but they should encourage agents to verify the seller’s identity before moving forward.

How Title and Deed Fraud Affects Homeowners

Criminals may attempt to file fraudulent deeds or record unauthorized liens against a property. If successful, the legitimate owner may face a lengthy and expensive process to clear the property’s title and prove ownership.

Setting up property recording alerts is one of the easiest ways to detect suspicious activity early.

How Buyers Are Most Commonly Targeted

Wire fraud remains one of the most common real estate scams.

Near closing, buyers may receive what appears to be a legitimate email containing “updated” wiring instructions. These emails often closely resemble messages from a title company, lender, or real estate professional.

If funds are wired to a fraudulent account, recovering the money can be extremely difficult.

Always verify wiring instructions by calling your escrow or title company using a trusted phone number—not one included in the email. Never rely solely on emailed wiring instructions.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or real estate professional, these extra verification steps can help protect everyone involved:

• Request an in-person or live video meeting whenever possible.
• Send written correspondence to the owner’s tax mailing address to confirm the sale.
• Verify identity through public records and professional databases.
• Use identity verification tools such as Forewarn or Spokeo when appropriate.
• Request a government-issued photo ID and compare it carefully to the individual you’re working with.
• Perform a reverse image search if an ID or profile photo appears suspicious.
• Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, pause the transaction until additional verification can be completed.

Stay Proactive

Real estate fraud is becoming more sophisticated, but awareness remains one of the best defenses. Homeowners should enroll in their county’s property notification program whenever available, and buyers should verify all financial instructions directly with their trusted professionals before sending funds.

If you’d like help locating your county’s property fraud alert program or have questions about protecting yourself during a real estate transaction, I’m always happy to help.