Consumer Safety & Fraud
Your Home. Your Money. Your Peace of Mind.
Buying, selling, or renting a home is a big step—and protecting yourself along the way matters just as much as finding the right property.
From fraudulent listings to sophisticated financial scams, knowing what to watch for can help you make informed decisions and protect your personal information.
Stay informed. Ask questions. Verify before you act.
Know the Risks. Protect Yourself.
Wire Fraud & Closing Scams
Before you send money, make the call. Scammers may impersonate real estate agents, attorneys, or lenders and send fraudulent wiring instructions, sometimes just before closing.
- Always verify wiring instructions by calling a trusted, independently confirmed phone number.
- Be suspicious of unexpected changes to payment instructions.
- Never rely solely on an email or text requesting a transfer of funds.
Rental Listing Scams
That perfect apartment? Make sure it's real. Fraudulent rental listings may use stolen photos, unusually low prices, or pressure tactics to collect deposits and personal information.
- Verify the property and the person advertising it.
- Be cautious about sending money before viewing a property.
- Watch for requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other difficult-to-recover payments.
Identity Theft & Online Scams
Your personal information is valuable. Protect it. Real estate transactions often involve sensitive financial and personal information. Scammers may use fake websites, emails, or messages to obtain it.
- Use secure, verified channels when sharing documents.
- Be cautious of unexpected links and requests for personal information.
- Confirm the identity of anyone requesting sensitive documents or payment details.
Property & Deed Fraud
Protect your property from unauthorized activity. Property fraud can involve forged documents or unauthorized attempts to transfer ownership. Massachusetts homeowners can sign up for free Registry of Deeds notifications when documents are recorded.
- Review unexpected property-related notices carefully.
- Monitor public property records for suspicious activity.
- Consider enrolling in your Registry of Deeds' free notification service.
Personal Safety During Real Estate Transactions
Stay aware. Stay prepared. Whether you're attending an open house, touring a rental, or meeting someone about a property, simple precautions can help protect your safety.
- Confirm appointments and the identity of the person you're meeting.
- Let someone you trust know where you're going.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information with unfamiliar individuals.
- Trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe.
Spot the Warning Signs
Scams can look convincing, but certain behaviors should make you stop and verify:
- Unexpected requests to change payment instructions
- Pressure to send money or act immediately
- Listings priced significantly below comparable properties
- Requests for sensitive information through unfamiliar links
- Individuals unwilling to verify their identity or authority
- Demands for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency
When in doubt, pause and verify independently before proceeding.
Think You've Been Scammed? Act Quickly.
If you suspect fraud, taking action promptly may help limit the damage.
- Contact your financial institution. If you've sent money, notify your bank or payment provider immediately and ask whether the transaction can be stopped or recovered.
- Report the incident. Contact the appropriate agency and local law enforcement. For suspected wire fraud, report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Protect your information. Change compromised passwords, monitor your financial accounts, and take identity theft recovery steps if necessary.
Where to Report Fraud
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — Internet crimes and wire fraud
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Scams, fraudulent listings, and consumer fraud
- Massachusetts Attorney General's Office — Consumer complaints and assistance
- IdentityTheft.gov — Identity theft reporting and recovery
A Trusted Professional Can Help You Navigate the Process
Working with a REALTOR® can provide valuable guidance, local knowledge, and an additional resource for questions throughout your real estate journey.
No professional can eliminate every risk, but knowing who you're working with, asking questions, and independently verifying important information can help you move forward with greater confidence.