NCJAR was recently notified of a seller impersonation scam involving vacant land in Andover, NJ.
An agent was contacted by email by individuals claiming to be the property owners. The “sellers” stated they found the agent online and requested a CMA. All communication occurred via email. They:
- Refused to provide a phone number
- Never spoke by phone or video
- Signed a listing agreement electronically
The agent became suspicious after being unable to reach the sellers by phone. After independently locating and contacting the actual property owner, it was confirmed that the property is not for sale. The individuals were impersonating the owners.
Important Reminder to Members
Vacant land is frequently targeted in these schemes because owners often live out of state and properties are unoccupied.
Red Flags:
- Email-only communication
- Refusal to speak by phone or video
- Pressure for a quick transaction
- Seller located out of state or overseas
- Below-market pricing
Best Practices
- Verify seller identity early (live phone or video confirmation)
- Confirm ownership through public records
- Contact owners using independently sourced contact information
- Alert your broker and title company if concerns arise
- Slow the process if anything feels unusual
If you encounter similar activity, report it to local law enforcement and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), and notify your broker and MLS immediately.
Diligent pre-screening protects property owners, buyers, your brokerage, and the integrity of the transaction.
Disclaimer: NCJAR does not investigate or validate reported incidents. Members are responsible for reporting criminal activity to appropriate authorities.
