BIC TIP #1236: Vacant Land Is a Scam (Until It Is Not)
Here is a mindset shift that could save your client, your license, and your sanity: treat every vacant land listing as a scam until it proves otherwise. Stephen Long has said it before and he will keep saying it, because vacant land fraud is on the rise and North Carolina brokers are right in the crosshairs.
Why Vacant Land Is the Fraudster’s Favorite
Vacant land has no occupant, no neighbors peeking through the curtains, and often an owner who lives far away and rarely checks on the property. That makes it the perfect target. Someone pretends to be the owner, lists the land, and the real owner has no idea it is happening.
According to Stephen, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and the Attorney General have been dealing with a growing number of these transactions. In many cases, fraudulent sellers are collecting due diligence fees, and in some cases they are even walking away with the sale proceeds while the bona fide owner never knew a thing.
The Red Flags Are Waving
Scammers tend to follow a script, and the script has some telltale lines. Watch for a sense of urgency, a seller who is in a big hurry to close, or a seller who can only meet on a video call and insists on using their link.
None of these alone proves fraud, but each one is a reason to slow down. A legitimate seller can usually tolerate a few extra questions. A fraudster gets nervous, pushy, or suddenly unreachable.
Do Your Homework Before You Do the Listing
Being diligent is not optional here. Verify that the person you are dealing with is actually the owner of record, ask for identification, and do not be shy about involving the closing attorney early. If something feels off, loop in your broker-in-charge before you go any further.
The goal is simple: do not become the unwitting helper who markets someone else’s land on behalf of a criminal. Nobody wants to explain that one to the Commission.
The Practical Takeaway
Approach every vacant land listing with professional skepticism. Watch for urgency, rushed timelines, and remote-only sellers who control the meeting link. Verify ownership and identity, and when in doubt, talk to your broker-in-charge or a real estate attorney. Vacant land is a scam until it is not, and it is your job to know the difference.
This BIC Tip is general real estate education for licensees and consumers, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules and forms change, so verify current NCREC rules, MLS rules, and standard forms, and consult a North Carolina attorney or qualified professional about your specific situation. See Disclaimers & Disclosures.
