Vaughn Voyage: Real Estate Scams Are Back—and Florida Property Owners Are Paying the Price
By: Danielle Vaughn, Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Real estate scams are making a strong comeback, and they are costing Florida property owners and buyers real money. These schemes are no longer obvious or sloppy. Today’s fraudsters are sophisticated, patient, and very good at impersonating legitimate professionals involved in a real estate transaction.
One of the most common scams is wire fraud at closing. Hackers intercept or spoof emails from realtors, title companies, or lenders and send “updated” wiring instructions just before closing. Buyers wire funds believing everything is legitimate, only to discover the money is gone and nearly impossible to recover.
Another growing issue is vacant property and fake seller fraud. Scammers target second homes, rental properties, or properties owned by out-of-state owners. They pose as the owner, rush a sale, and disappear once funds change hands. Forged deeds and title fraud are also on the rise, often discovered only when a homeowner attempts to sell or refinance.
These scams succeed because transactions move quickly and people assume someone else is verifying the details. That assumption is dangerous. Any last-minute changes, pressure to act immediately, or requests for secrecy should stop a transaction in its tracks.
The safest approach is still the traditional one: verify wiring instructions by phone, confirm ownership and authority, and ensure your title company follows strict security protocols and refuses to cut corners. Property owners—especially those who own vacant land—should also sign up for recording alerts with the Clerk of Court to receive notice if documents are recorded against their property.
If you are buying, selling, or own property, now is the time to review your protections. A brief legal review today may prevent devastating losses tomorrow.
Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
VAUGHN LAW, PLLC
350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: (727) 223-6080 | Fax: (727) 645-4226
dvaughnlaw.com