NAR: Real Estate Fraud Risk On The Rise

October 12, 2026 - 22:19

Real estate fraud is becoming more common, more sophisticated, and harder to spot, and artificial intelligence is making the problem worse. That warning comes from the National Association of Realtors, which says schemes involving wire fraud, seller impersonation, title fraud, rental scams, identity theft, and deepfakes are all on the rise.

Most of these crimes follow a similar pattern. Someone poses as a legitimate party in a transaction, whether a buyer, seller, agent, or lender, and uses that trust to redirect money or steal personal information. What has changed is the level of polish. AI tools now let criminals generate convincing emails, fake documents, and even voice or video clips that mimic real people.

For buyers and sellers, the stakes are high. A single wire transfer sent to the wrong account can wipe out a down payment. Fake listings can trap renters into paying deposits for homes that were never available. Impersonation scams can push owners into signing over property they never intended to sell.

Industry groups are urging consumers to verify every instruction by phone using a known number, avoid acting on sudden urgency, and confirm wire details in person when possible. Realtors are also being pushed to tighten internal controls and train staff to recognize the warning signs before money changes hands.