In 2024, one in every three real estate transactions in the U.S. was targeted for fraud. South Carolina alone saw over 10,000 incidents, totaling more than $146 million in claims. That includes a fast-growing type of crime that many property owners have never even heard of: Seller Impersonation Fraud.

As a local Charleston Realtor who takes my fiduciary responsibility seriously, I want every property owner — especially vacant landowners and potential sellers — to understand what’s happening and how to stay protected.

What is Seller Impersonation Fraud?

Seller impersonation happens when a criminal poses as the rightful owner of a property and attempts to sell it — without the real owner’s knowledge or consent.

These scams often involve:

• Vacant land or unwatched properties (especially second homes or inherited land),
• Fake IDs and forged documents,
• Fraudulent notaries,
• A sense of urgency to push the deal through quickly.

In many cases, these fraudsters use legitimate-looking email accounts, spoofed phone numbers, and convincing paperwork to bypass even experienced professionals. By the time the real owner finds out, the damage is done.

Why Charleston Property Owners Should Pay Attention

South Carolina’s is a popular real estate market — and that makes it a target. In fact, our state ranks #25 in the nation for real estate wire fraud, and that’s likely an understatement. The combination of fast-moving sales, absentee owners, and high-value properties along the coast creates the perfect storm for scams like these.

Whether you’re holding on to a vacant lot on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms, inherited family land in Mount Pleasant, or getting ready to list a home anywhere in Charleston County, you need to work with a broker who’s paying attention.

What I Do to Protect My Sellers

As someone who has built a business on trust, diligence, and integrity, I take seller representation seriously — especially now.

Here’s how I help safeguard my clients:

• Identity verification at the start of every listing conversation,

• Close coordination with attorneys, title agents, and closing offices I trust,

• Awareness of red flags like urgency, unexpected wire requests, or communication gaps,

• Ongoing education — including attending legal and risk management seminars like the one recently hosted by attorney David Santos at Burr Forman, LLP and the South Carolina Association of Realtors in conjunction with the US Secret Service.

Wire Fraud: A Major Risk at Closing - for Sellers and Buyers

Even if you're working with a trusted professional, wire fraud can still strike at the last minute — especially around closing time. Here's what you need to know:

1. Never trust emailed wire instructions.
2. Always verify payment instructions by phone with a known contact at your lender, attorney’s office, or closing company. Call the number you’ve used before — never a new or unfamiliar one provided in an email.

If you receive updated wire instructions at the last minute, that is a major red flag. In nearly every legitimate real estate transaction, wire instructions do not change.

These scammers are smart — they monitor email accounts, spoof addresses, and time their attacks perfectly. Don’t rely on gut feeling alone. Verify everything.

Final Thoughts

Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated by the day — but so are the tools and practices we can use to stop them.

If you’re thinking about selling, or if you simply want peace of mind that your property is secure, I’m here to help. From listing to closing, I keep your interests protected every step of the way.

📩 Have questions? Want to learn more?