The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has issued a warning about a rising real estate scam targeting agents and escrow professionals. In the past 30 days, their office has received multiple complaints about fraudulent transactions involving fake property owners and falsified documents.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters pose as distressed property owners, claiming they need to sell or lease land quickly due to urgent out-of-state medical expenses—most recently, cancer treatment in Texas. Their goal is to create pressure, bypass verification, and rush transactions through before red flags are noticed.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Avoiding in-person meetings – Scammers claim medical restrictions prevent face-to-face interactions, making it impossible for escrow notaries to verify their identity.
- Communicating only via email or phone – They refuse video calls or in-person meetings.
- Providing fraudulent documents – They submit falsified notary stamps, signatures, and other paperwork to make transactions appear legitimate.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Clients
- Verify identities in person – Always require a government-issued photo ID before proceeding with a transaction.
- Be cautious of urgent sales tied to medical emergencies – While some may be real, fraudsters often use urgency as a tactic.
- Strengthen escrow verification protocols:
· Independently confirm the property owner’s identity.
· Verify ABA routing numbers to ensure they match the correct bank and address.
Why Vigilance Matters
Real estate fraud can lead to financial loss, legal liability, and reputational damage for agents and brokers. By staying alert and implementing strong verification practices, we can help prevent these scams and protect our clients.
For more details, read the official warning from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office here:
Alameda County DA’s Real Estate Fraud Alert