BIC TIP #1139: Avoid North Carolina Real Estate Scams
Real estate scams are not slowing down, and vacant land scams in particular are still on the rise in North Carolina. Stephen Long notes that the North Carolina Real Estate Commission continues to see an alarming number of complaints about brokers who listed property for someone who was not actually the owner. The fix starts with a healthy dose of skepticism: assume it is a scam until you can prove otherwise.
How the Scam Usually Looks
The pattern is familiar. Someone reaches out by email or text wanting to sell a parcel of land. They are out of state, they cannot meet in person, they want a quick sale, and they are happy to sign everything electronically. Vacant land is a favorite target because there is no occupant to notice a sign in the yard.
The broker, eager for a listing, puts it on the market. By the time the real owner finds out, a buyer may have wired money and the impostor is long gone.
Never Met Them? Be Suspicious.
Stephen’s rule of thumb is simple. If you are being asked to sell a property by someone you have never met, or someone who is out of state and you have never met them, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.
That mindset is not about being rude to legitimate sellers. It is about making sure you do your job before your name goes on a fraudulent listing.
Do the Due Diligence
The complaints Stephen describes come from brokers who did not verify that the seller was in fact the owner. Do not be that broker. Verify ownership, check references, and really dig in to confirm you are dealing with the proper seller.
Compare the information you are given with the public record. Ask questions a true owner could answer easily. If anything feels off, slow down and talk to your broker-in-charge before the listing goes live. A real owner will understand the extra care. A scammer usually disappears.
The Practical Takeaway
Vacant land and seller impersonation scams are still hitting North Carolina hard. If you have never met the seller, especially an out-of-state seller, assume it is a scam until you can prove otherwise. Verify ownership, check references, and dig in. That extra effort protects buyers, protects the true owner, and protects your license.
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.
