Rising Real Estate Scams Target Property Owners and Buyers in Bay County

Bay County, FL — Real estate professionals across Bay County are sounding the alarm on a growing wave of sophisticated scams targeting property owners, buyers, and real estate agents. Among the most concerning is a surge in “fake seller” scams, where criminals attempt to fraudulently list and sell properties they do not own.

In these schemes, a scammer impersonates a property owner—often targeting vacant land or investment properties—and contacts a real estate agent to list the property for sale. The fraudster may provide forged identification and insist on remote transactions, avoiding in-person meetings. If successful, the scam can result in illegal property transfers or financial loss for unsuspecting buyers.

CPAR works closely with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to combat these fraudulent listings. When suspicious activity is identified, it is reported to law enforcement for investigation. Through a collaborative program known as “Realty Alert,” the Sheriff’s Office also notifies local Realtors of emerging threats, helping prevent further fraud and protect consumers across the region.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and these fake seller schemes can be difficult to detect without proper safeguards,” said Catherine Anderson, President of CPAR. “Our local Realtors are trained to spot red flags and take extra steps to verify ownership, but public awareness is a critical line of defense. We’re also grateful for our strong partnership with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, whose collaboration through programs like Realty Alert helps us stay ahead of these threats and better protect our community”

What the Public Should Know

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in protecting their property:

• Sign up for Property Fraud Alerts: Bay County property owners can register for free alerts through the Clerk of Court to be notified of any recorded documents associated with their property.

• Be Cautious with Unsolicited Offers: Unexpected inquiries about selling property—especially those requesting urgency or secrecy—should raise concern.

How Realtors Are Protecting You

Local Realtors are taking proactive steps to combat fraud and protect their clients, including:

• Verifying seller identity through multiple forms of documentation and third-party tools
• Requiring in-person or secure virtual verification whenever possible
• Cross-checking ownership records and transaction histories
• Watching for common red flags such as unusual urgency, refusal to meet, or inconsistent documentation
• Collaborating with title companies, attorneys, and local officials to ensure secure transactions

Other Emerging Real Estate Scams

While fake seller fraud is a major concern, it is part of a broader trend of real estate-related scams. These include deed fraud, wire transfer fraud, and phishing schemes targeting buyers during closing. Criminals are increasingly using technology and publicly available data to make their schemes appear legitimate.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Real estate transactions are among the most significant financial decisions individuals make. Working with a licensed Realtor provides an added layer of protection, expertise, and accountability. For more information or to speak with a local real estate professional, please contact the CPAR office at (850) 763-8078.