SELLER IMPERSONATION FRAUD IN REAL ESTATE

FRAUDSTERS are impersonating property owners to illegally sell commercial or residential property. Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owner’s Social Security and driver’s license numbers in the transaction, as well as legitimate notary credentials, which may be applied without the notary’s knowledge. 
Fraudsters prefer to use email and text messages to communicate, allowing them to mask themselves and commit crime from anywhere. 
Due to the types of property being targeted, it can take months or years for the actual property owner to discover the fraud. Property monitoring services offered by county recorder’s offices are helpful, especially if the fraud is discovered prior to the transfer of money. 
Where approved by state regulators, consumers can purchase the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance for additional fraud protection. 
WATCH FOR RED FLAGS 
CONSIDER HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY OR HALT A TRANSACTION WHEN A PROPERTY 
■ Is vacant or non-owner occupied, such as investment property, vacation property, or rental property 
■ Has a different address than the owner’s address or tax mailing address 
■ Has no outstanding mortgage or liens 
■ Is for sale or sold below market value
CONSIDER HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY OR HALT A TRANSACTION WHEN A SELLER
■ Wants a quick sale, generally in less than three weeks, and may not negotiate fees 
■ Wants a cash buyer 
■ Is refusing to attend the signing and claims to be out of state or country 
■ Is difficult to reach via phone and only wants to communicate by text or email, or refuses to meet via video call 
■ Demands proceeds be wired 
■ Refuses or is unable to complete multifactor authentication or identity verification 
■ Wants to use their own notary
CLOSING ATTORNEYS TAKE PRECAUTIONS DUE TO SELLER FRAUD ISSUES INCLUDING SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
CONTACT SELLER USING INDEPENDENT SOURCES 
■ Contact the seller directly at an independently discovered and validated phone number 
■ Mail the seller at the address on tax records, property address, and grantee address (if different) 
■ Ask the real estate agent if they have personal or verified knowledge of the seller’s identity
MANAGE THE NOTARIZATION 
■ Require the notarization be performed by a vetted and approved remote online notary, if authorized in your state 
■ If remote online notarization is not available, the title company should select the notary. Examples include arranging for the seller to go to an attorney’s office, title agency, or bank that utilizes a credential scanner or multifactor authentication to execute documents
VERIFY THE SELLER’S IDENTITY 
■ Send the seller a link to go through identity verification using a third-party service provider (credential analysis, KBA, etc.) 
■ Run the seller’s email and phone number through a verification program 
■ Ask conversational questions to ascertain seller’s knowledge of property information not readily available in public records 
■ Conduct additional due diligence as needed
USE THE PUBLIC RECORD 
■ Compare the seller’s signature to previously recorded documents 
■ Compare the sales price to the appraisal, historical sales price, or tax appraisal value
CONTROL THE DISBURSEMENT 
■ Use a wire verification service or confirm wire instructions match account details on seller’s disbursement authorization form 
■ Require a copy of a voided check with a disbursement authorization form 
■ Require that a check be sent for seller proceeds rather than a wire
Info from www.alta.org
Now more than ever, consumers need to be aware of potential scams and how to best protect themselves. Real estate agents and attorneys must also play a key role in educating both homebuyers and homeowners about the need to remain vigilant. If the closing attorney is asking for extra precautions to verify a home seller, it is the duty of the agents involved to educate their clients about why this is necessary.