BCSO warns of real estate scams; 5 seller-impersonation attempts reported in 30 days

COLUMBUS, Ind. –The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has alerted the public following five reported attempts of real estate seller impersonation over the past month.

COLUMBUS, Ind. –The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has alerted the public following five reported attempts of real estate seller impersonation over the past month.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting property transactions, posing as legitimate sellers to transfer ownership or extract funds from unsuspecting buyers. These illegal schemes not only endanger potential buyers but also put rightful property owners at risk of title fraud.

Real estate fraud investigations are complex and require multiple subpoenas to internet and phone service providers. In the first case reported to BCSO, the suspects were traced to Nigeria. Seller impersonation fraud is a growing threat nationwide, putting both buyers and rightful property owners at risk.

Real estate professionals and prospective buyers should be on high alert for the following warning signs:

• Limited communication – The seller communicates only by email or text, avoids in-person meetings, and refuses video calls
• Lack of documentation – The seller cannot provide credible documents tying them to the property
• Inconsistent addresses – The seller’s stated address does not match the property address or the tax mailing address
• Unrealistic pricing – The property is listed well below market value, often with a preference for all-cash buyers
• No “For Sale” signage – The seller specifically asks that no physical “For Sale” sign be posted
• Rushed closing – There is a strong push to close quickly, sometimes with incentives or waived protections
• Notary manipulation – The seller demands use of their own notary, raising the risk of falsified or fraudulent documents

BCSO recommends the best practices to guard against seller impersonation fraud, including:

• Verify identity in person (or video) – Ask your agent whether they’ve met the seller, and if not, schedule a video call where the seller presents a government-issued ID
• Ask property-specific questions – Inquire about details only the real owner would know (ex.-how long they’ve owned the property)
• Send mail to the recorded owner – Mail a letter to the owner’s name at the address listed on the tax records
• Use independently verified contact information – Contact the seller via phone numbers or channels found in public records
• Use vetted notaries – Reject the seller’s demands to provide their own notary. Use a notary arranged by your title company or attorney
• Compare signatures – Ask for previously recorded documents and compare signatures to those on the sale documents
• Trust your instincts – If something feels off, pause and investigate further
• Secure your funds – Avoid wiring money without confirming instructions via a trusted phone line; use escrow or trusted closing agents
• Obtain title insurance – This provides legal defense/financial protection if someone makes an unauthorized claim on your property

Bartholomew County property owners can enroll in a free alert service offered by the Recorder’s Office via Doxpop Property at Watch.bartholomew.in.gov.