Buying or selling a home? Then you’re probably signing contracts online — and that’s totally normal these days.
But here’s what nobody tells you:
Scammers love online contracts.
Why? Because if you’re not careful, they can trick you into signing fake documents or sending money to the wrong place.
Don’t worry — this guide is here to walk you through how to stay safe when signing real estate contracts online, step by step. No tech talk. No stress.
🖊️ Why We Sign Real Estate Contracts Online Now
Platforms like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and Dotloop let buyers and sellers sign:
- Purchase agreements
- Closing disclosures
- Title transfer forms
- Escrow paperwork
…all from your phone or laptop.
It’s fast and legit — but also a huge target for fraud.
🛡️ 7 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself When Signing Online
Let’s get into what actually keeps you safe — and how to spot trouble before it finds you.
✅ 1. Never Click Email Links Without Double-Checking
Scammers send fake emails that look like DocuSign or your agent — but link to phishing sites.
What to do:
- Hover over the sender’s email — does it look “off”?
- If in doubt, go directly to the signing site (like docusign.com) and log in.
✅ 2. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Always turn on 2FA when using platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign. That way, even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get in without your phone.
How to do it:
Check your profile or settings. Look for “Enable Two-Factor Authentication.”
✅ 3. Ask for the Audit Trail
Every legit e-signature tool has a built-in record showing:
- Who signed
- When
- On what IP address
- In what order
What to do:
Ask your agent or title rep to send the audit log — it’s your proof that everything’s legit.
✅ 4. Look for Small Errors in the Document
Fake documents often have:
- Slightly wrong names or numbers
- Spelling mistakes
- Weird formatting
What to do:
Compare the doc with the last version you saw. If anything feels “off,” stop and verify with your agent.
✅ 5. Never Sign from a Shared or Public Device
If you’re at a coffee shop, library, or using a friend’s tablet — stop. Public Wi-Fi and shared devices are not secure.
What to do:
Only sign important documents from your personal phone, tablet, or laptop.
✅ 6. Call Before Wiring Any Money
Even if the email looks official — always call your title company or escrow officer before wiring funds. Scammers love to fake closing emails and change the bank details.
Use a phone number you already know — not the one in the email.
✅ 7. Keep Your Login Info Private
Don’t share your password. Don’t let someone else “sign for you.” Keep your logins safe, just like your bank account.
🧠 Final Thought: Don’t Rush, Don’t Panic
Real estate deals move fast — but you don’t have to.
Take a breath. Double-check everything. Ask questions.
Online signing is safe if you take a few smart steps. The scammers are sneaky, but now you’re smarter.
You’ve got this. Sign with confidence. Close like a pro. 🏡🔐🖊️