Articles on Scams
13 field reports on how real estate fraud actually works. Last updated September 12, 2026.
The "Zoom Call" Trap: How Scammers Are Weaponizing Video Meetings to Infiltrate Real Estate Brokerages
Fake Zoom invites that drop malware and deepfake seller impersonations on video calls are now targeting agents, brokers, and title officers. Learn the red flags and the professional defense protocol.
Read the breakdown September 12, 2026 · ScamRealEstate.com Industry Defense Desk Scam AlertThe "We Buy Houses" Ripoff: How Cash-Offer Schemes Strip Your Equity
Bait-and-switch prices, assignable contracts, memorandum liens, and kitchen-table deeds. Irving T. Duck breaks down how 'we buy houses' cash-offer schemes work and the five checks that keep your equity where it belongs.
Read the breakdown August 22, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe "Encrypted" Trap: Why WhatsApp is a Real Estate Red Flag
When a 'buyer' or 'landlord' insists on moving the conversation exclusively to WhatsApp, they aren't looking for privacy — they're looking for a place to hide. Learn the three telltale moves of the encrypted real estate scam, and how to shut it down with one phone call.
Read the breakdown April 26, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe Rental Scam Recovery Checklist: What to Do When the "Source of Truth" Reveals a Fraud
If you've been targeted by a rental scam, the clock is ticking. Learn the tactical rescue plan — from the financial kill-switch to contacting the real listing agent — to protect your money and your identity.
Read the breakdown April 20, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe Lemon8 Loophole: Why Real Estate Scams Aren't Just for Craigslist Anymore
Scammers are migrating to Lemon8, ByteDance's lifestyle app, using polished aesthetics to disguise the same old rental fraud. Learn why the platform doesn't matter — and how to verify the source before you lose your deposit.
Read the breakdown April 6, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe OpenDoor Rental Trap: Standing Inside a House Doesn't Mean It's For Rent!
Scammers exploit OpenDoor's self-guided tour technology to trick renters into thinking a home for sale is actually for rent. Learn how this sophisticated scam works and how to protect yourself.
Read the breakdown March 28, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe Property Tax Reassessment Scam: Watching Out During Tax Season
Scammers pose as 'Tax Adjustment Professionals' promising to lower your property tax bill — for an upfront fee. Learn the red flags and how to appeal your assessment yourself for free.
Read the breakdown March 17, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe "Official" Deed Mailer: Don't Pay $100 for a Free Document
After closing on a home, many owners receive official-looking letters demanding payment for a "Certified Copy" of their deed. Learn why this is an unnecessary markup — and what you should do instead.
Read the breakdown March 17, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe "Empty Lot" Scam: Why Vacant Land is a Prime Target
One of the fastest-growing real estate crimes involves land nobody is living on. Learn how scammers exploit vacant lots and vacation homes — and how to protect your investment before it's too late.
Read the breakdown March 17, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe "New Owner" Trap: A Warning to Contractors and Service Pros
A sophisticated scam is targeting contractors by exploiting real estate listing data. Learn how fake checks, overpayment schemes, and P2P apps are used to steal thousands — and how to protect your business.
Read the breakdown March 17, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertHow to Verify a Property Manager's Identity Before Handing Over Your SSN
Standard rental applications require your Social Security Number. Learn how to verify a property manager's identity before handing over sensitive information that could be used for identity theft.
Read the breakdown March 12, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertWhy You Should Never Send a Security Deposit via Zelle or Venmo
P2P payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and CashApp offer zero buyer protection for authorized transactions. Learn why legitimate landlords never ask for deposits this way — and what to do instead.
Read the breakdown March 12, 2026 · Irving T. Duck Scam AlertThe Anatomy of a Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace Rental Scam: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Learn how scammers scrape real listings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, pose as unavailable landlords, and steal your money — and how to spot every step before it costs you.
Read the breakdown March 12, 2026 · Irving T. Duck