A growing wave of real estate scams is targeting older Americans, putting their homes and land at serious risk.
According to the National Council on Aging, more than 79% of seniors own a home, with a median home equity of $250,000. That’s a major source of financial security — and criminals are taking notice.
🏠 How the Scam Works
Scammers are pretending to be property owners and listing homes or empty lots for sale that don’t actually belong to them. In many cases, the real owners live out of town and have no idea their land is being “sold.”
In Park City, Utah, realtors have reported dozens of fake listings since May. Luckily, title companies have caught these frauds before sales went through — but experts warn that the problem is spreading fast.
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
Realtors say these warning signs could mean a scam:
- A seller offering property far below market value
- Someone claiming they need to sell quickly
- A “seller” refusing to meet in person or show proof of ownership
If you’re a senior homeowner, ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your property — especially if you’re away for long periods.
🧾 More Scams to Know About
The FBI has warned about quitclaim deed fraud, where criminals forge ownership papers to “transfer” property and then take out loans or sell the land. Victims often face long legal battles to reclaim their homes.
According to the National Association of Realtors:
- 63% of realtors are aware of title fraud in their area
- The Northeast has the highest reported cases
- 52% of scams involve vacant land, not homes
💡 Bottom Line
If you’re a retiree or homeowner, don’t assume your property is safe just because it’s paid off. Regularly check your county property records, watch for suspicious listings, and contact local authorities or your title company if something looks off.
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Your home is one of your biggest assets — protect it like your savings account.