Why This Matters
Real estate fraud includes schemes where criminals manipulate transactions, misrepresent ownership, use falsified documents or redirect funds during closing. Title and settlement professionals are frequent targets because they handle sensitive financial information, verify ownership and transfer funds. Preventing fraud requires secure processes, staff training, consumer awareness and clear communication throughout the transaction.
Types of Fraud in Real Estate
Deed and Mortgage Fraud
Deed and mortgage fraud involve forged documents, false information or unauthorized actions used to manipulate property ownership or financing. These schemes can create costly title defects and legal disputes.
Elder Abuse Fraud
Elder abuse fraud in real estate occurs when criminals exploit older property owners to gain access to their assets, often by manipulating, deceiving, or coercing them into transferring property rights or funds.
Seller Impersonation Fraud
Seller impersonation fraud occurs when criminals pose as property owners to sell real estate they do not own, often targeting vacant land, second homes, or investment properties.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud occurs when criminals use fake or compromised communications to redirect closing funds to unauthorized accounts. These schemes often target real estate transactions because large sums of money move during closing.
Featured Resources
Commentary
Fraud Prevention Is a Hidden Key to Housing Affordability
In this RealClearPolitics op-ed, ALTA CEO Chris Morton argues that fraud prevention should be part of the housing affordability conversation. The piece explains how title professionals help reduce fraud risk, protect consumers and prevent hidden costs from being passed on to homebuyers, lenders and communities.
Commentary
The Hidden Housing Cost Washington Can’t Ignore: Real Estate Fraud
In this HousingWire commentary, ALTA CEO Chris Morton argues that real estate fraud is a hidden housing affordability cost that policymakers should not overlook. The article connects fraud prevention, title insurance and the work of title professionals to consumer protection, market stability and the long-term cost of homeownership.
Advocacy & Policy
Elder Real Estate Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention
This resource explains how older homeowners can be targeted through forged documents, coercion, misuse of power of attorney and other forms of financial exploitation. It also outlines legislative, enforcement and education initiatives policymakers can use to help prevent elder real estate fraud.
How Fraud Impacts Housing Affordability
This webpage explains why fraud prevention should be part of the housing affordability conversation, showing how fraud can increase costs for buyers, lenders and communities. It connects fraud prevention to market stability, consumer protection and the long-term cost of homeownership.
Meetings & Education
Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention at 2026 ALTA ONE
ALTA ONE Omni Session speaker Gen. Paul Nakasone will bring a national security perspective to the cyber and fraud threats facing real estate transactions. Drawing on his experience leading U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, Nakasone will explore emerging risks and how title professionals can strengthen defenses and protect consumers. Register for ALTA ONE.
Learn How to Spot Elder Real Estate Fraud and Financial Exploitation
It’s always important for title and settlement agents to proceed cautiously when encountering irregularities or unusual situations at closing. Listen to this webinar to learn about the prevalence of elder fraud, red flags to be aware of, reporting options to law enforcement and potential legislation.
Guarding Your Closing Funds: Strategies to Combat Wire Fraud
Listen to this webinar recording as experts examine emerging fraudulent schemes, including the use of AI deepfake technology and seller impersonation, and provide essential strategies for companies to protect themselves and their clients.
ALTA and PRIA Joint Fraud Forum
ALTA and the Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) held a joint fraud forum on April 17. Experts shared information and suggestions on efforts to address deed and seller impersonation fraud.
Resources & Tools
5 Tips to Avoid Wire Fraud
When buying a home, be on alert for email or phone scams that will try to steal your money. Criminals can pose as your real estate agent, settlement agent or other trusted professional and provide false instructions for wiring mortgage closing funds. Watch this video for tips to avoid these scams.
Be a Savvy Consumer & Protect Yourself from Seller Impersonation Fraud
Seller impersonation fraud occurs when criminals pose as property owners to illegally sell real estate they do not own. ALTA resources help consumers spot red flags, sign up for property alerts, understand title insurance options and respond quickly if they become victims.
Red Flags to Spot Seller Impersonation Fraud
Fraudsters are impersonating property owners to illegally sell commercial or residential property. Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owner’s Social Security and driver’s license numbers in the transaction, as well as legitimate notary credentials, which may be applied without the notary’s knowledge.
Protect Your Money from Wire Fraud Schemes When Buying a Home
Buying and selling a home is an exciting time, but there can be pitfalls for unsuspecting consumers. ALTA wants homeowners and sellers to be aware that criminals are using wire fraud schemes to steal funds intended for home purchases or the proceeds from property sales.
News & Insights
The Great Transaction Heist: How Title Professionals Must Respond to Wire Fraud
Wire fraud in real estate is no longer the work of opportunistic scammers. It has evolved into a sophisticated, global enterprise. One that is faster, smarter and often better organized than many in the industry understand. That was the stark message delivered to more than 400 attendees during the ALTA EDge session, “The Great Transaction Heist: Inside Modern Wire Fraud,” experts pulled back the curtain on how modern fraud operations really work.