FBI warning: Own a home? Be careful, you could be a target
Homeowners Urged to Stay Alert as FBI Flags New Property Impersonation Scam
Homeowners across the United States are being urged to stay cautious after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned about a growing real estate scam that targets property owners through identity fraud. According to the agency, criminals are pretending to be the rightful owners of vacant properties and attempting to sell those properties without the owners ever knowing about it.
The warning comes from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which said the scam involves carefully planned steps designed to steal both money and property. Officials are encouraging property owners to remain aware of these tactics, especially if they own vacant land or homes that are not regularly occupied.
In one version of the scam, fraudsters first create fake identities to pose as legitimate property owners. The FBI said these fake identities may include forged driver’s licenses, counterfeit U.S. passports, Outlook email accounts, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers. These tools are used to make the impersonation appear convincing during communications related to a property sale.
By presenting themselves as the real owners, scammers attempt to move forward with selling vacant properties without the owner’s knowledge or permission. The scheme is designed to deceive buyers and others involved in the transaction while allowing criminals to profit from property they do not legally own.
The FBI said the scam is carefully organized and relies on false documents and digital identities to make the fraudulent activity appear legitimate. Because many parts of the process can take place online, criminals can create convincing profiles and communicate with potential buyers while hiding their true identities.
Federal officials are reminding homeowners that property-related fraud can have serious financial consequences. The agency’s latest alert highlights the importance of staying informed about evolving scams that target real estate owners through identity theft and impersonation.
The FBI continues to monitor these fraudulent schemes through its Internet Crime Complaint Center and encourages the public to remain alert to suspicious activity involving property ownership or unexpected real estate transactions. Awareness of these tactics can help property owners recognize potential warning signs before becoming victims of fraud.
Sources
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
