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Seller Impersonation Fraud Targeting Homeowners Has Doubled Since 2024 - And Retirees May Be Prime Targets

Seller impersonation fraud is a growing threat for retirees.

By Paige Cerulli , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 25, 2026

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Buying a house is often seen as a milestone that may help build real wealth, but a rise in real estate closing fraud could turn that celebratory moment into a financial loss. A new survey by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) found a steep increase in seller impersonation fraud, and retirees may be particularly exposed to the risk.

If you plan to buy a house, understanding how seller impersonation fraud works and what red flags to watch for may help you avoid the scam.

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What is seller impersonation fraud

Seller impersonation fraud refers to a scam in which criminals attempt to illegally sell a home they don't own by acting as if they are the owner. They may use the real property owner's information to impersonate the owner.

Fraudsters often use public property records to identify vacant homes that don't have a mortgage. Then, they act like they own the property and ask a real estate agent to list the property for sale. Since the homes are vacant, the fraud is sometimes not discovered until after the sale has taken place.

If the sale takes place before the fraud is discovered, the fraudster may receive payment for the home that they're not legally entitled to. The situation may also result in legal issues for the actual owner and the buyer.

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The increase in seller impersonation fraud

ALTA surveyed 245 title insurance professionals in 2026 to examine evolving fraud tactics, financial impacts, and how professionals are helping protect consumers. The survey, released in September, indicates that seller impersonation fraud has increased substantially. In 2024, 28% of firms reported at least one seller impersonation fraud attempt during the prior year. In 2026, that number jumped to 59% of firms, more than double the 2024 figure.

The increase in fraud has had significant financial implications. One in four firms that reported a fraud attempt also reported a paid claim related to the fraud. Of the firms that reported a paid claim, half reported costs that were over $100,000.

The factors behind the increase in seller impersonation fraud

As technology evolves, criminals are able to leverage more tools that may help them impersonate sellers. Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents reported that spoofed contact information was at least somewhat common. Additionally, 58% of respondents said that deepfake image or voice technology was at least somewhat common, allowing scammers to pose convincingly as homeowners in real time.

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The targets that scammers look for in homes

Scammers often target vacant properties, and 82% of survey respondents reported vacant land as being a target. However, scammers have also expanded to targeting other property types, including primary residences, vacation homes, rentals, and agricultural land.

The scammers also tend to look for properties that are owned free and clear without a mortgage. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said that properties owned free and clear were somewhat common in the properties that were targets for seller impersonation fraud. Properties associated with someone who had recently died were also common targets.

How firms are fighting back

Title insurance firms are working to catch fraud before transactions are completed, with 94% of firms reporting they use multiple tools considered helpful for detecting fraud. Tools like ID verification, direct seller contact, and multifactor authentication are helping firms to identify fraud and protect their clients.

Steps to protect yourself when you own a home

Since retirees may have paid-off homes or second homes that they don't live in year-round, they may be prime targets for scammers. You may help protect yourself by regularly monitoring public property records. Deed and title notification programs are often available through some county clerks or registrars, and these programs may notify you of any activity surrounding your home's deed.

If you have a vacant property, you may want to sign up for online alerts for your property's address to stay on top of any activity surrounding the property.

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Steps to protect yourself when buying a home

Many of these scam attempts are caught during a title company's clearance review, but you may want to take additional precautions when buying a home. Verify a seller's identity independently, rather than trusting a single phone call. Look out for red flags, such as if the seller is reluctant to get on a video or live call. Be cautious of any last-minute changes a seller might make, such as asking you to wire money to a different account.

Bottom line

Seller impersonation scams are on the rise, and retirees may be prime targets. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself. If you ever have a suspicious feeling during the process of buying a home, listen to that feeling, and don't hesitate to voice your concerns to your real estate agent and title company. Many of these scams are caught before the transactions are completed, but it's always a good idea to look out and advocate for yourself, too.

Buying a home may give you peace of mind, especially if you're able to pay off your mortgage entirely. Doing so may be a valuable step that allows you to grow your wealth.

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