Washington County continues to be a busy market and a magnet for movers. With new jobs, great schools, and growing neighborhoods, a steady stream of buyers is looking to find the right place for the right price. Unfortunately, scammers try to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of this thriving area, and in 2026, they’ve become more sophisticated than the obvious “Nigerian prince” emails of the past. Now, they’re mimicking title companies and cloning real estate listings. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center annual report, losses from internet crime reached over $16.6 billion. While this figure reflects national data and not every scam is local, it demonstrates that the volume, sophistication, and speed of scams continue to rise.
Below are some of the most common real estate traps, with practical tips to help you avoid them.
Wire Fraud at Closing
This scam targets the largest single payment most families ever make: earnest money, down payments, and closing funds. Scammers compromise (or mimic) an email thread involving the agent, lender, or title/escrow company. They then send updated wiring instructions right before closing. These Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams target wire transfers of both business and personal transactions.
Some red flags include language like “We changed banks” or “We’re closing early. Wire now.”
Tips:
• Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text.
• Verify by phone using a number you already know and have used (official paperwork, website, or a statement).
• Verify any information received via email by calling the title company or licensed agent.
Fake Listings
These scams are gaining popularity with both rentals and home purchases. Scammers steal MLS photos, create copycat listings, change the contact information, and repost the listing on a new platform. Popular platforms for this scam include Facebook and Craigslist. The impersonating “property manager/agent” pressures prospective renters or buyers to pay an application or deposit fee before seeing the property or to “secure” it.
Tips:
• Require an in-person tour before paying any deposit or down payment.
• Confirm the owner, listing agent or company, or property manager through a separate source (official company site, county records, or a reputable property management or real estate office).
• Only pay deposits through reputable platforms or verifiable, documented businesses.
Identity and Document Fraud
Scammers don’t just steal money; they also steal paperwork. This includes IDs, pay stubs, loan documents, and bank letters. They impersonate individuals to open accounts and reroute funds.
Tips:
• Use secure portals from lenders or title companies (avoid email attachments when possible).
• Include a verification phrase in your process: “We only confirm changes by phone at a known number.”
• Pause the transaction if anything feels off. Scammers often succeed by applying pressure and creating urgency.
In a bustling market like Washington County, the best safeguard is to rely on a trusted source. Local REALTORS® know the neighborhoods, title companies, lenders, and inspectors who live and operate in the area. They understand what a legitimate transaction looks like and can help spot suspicious instructions and listings. In this high-tech age, that trusted relationship may be the strongest layer of protection.