You’ve found the perfect property. The deal checks out. Everything’s moving forward.
But what if the seller… doesn’t actually own the property?
That’s the question more and more Ohio homebuyers and real estate professionals are asking—and for good reason. Seller impersonation fraud is on the rise, and if you’re not careful, it could cost you time, money or even your ownership rights.
Here’s what you need to know to stay protected.
First, What Is Seller Impersonation Fraud?
This type of scam happens when someone poses as the owner of a property—often a vacant lot or home owned by someone out of state—and attempts to sell it without the true owner’s knowledge. It’s become more common in fast-moving or cash-only deals.
If you’re involved in real estate, whether you’re buying, selling or representing a client, this is a threat worth taking seriously.
6 Signs Something’s Off in a Transaction
- The Seller Won’t Talk on the Phone: If all communication happens over text or through personal email—and phone calls or video chats are consistently avoided—that’s a red flag.
- They Push to Close—Fast: Wanting to move quickly isn’t unusual… unless it’s paired with vague paperwork or unexplainable urgency. Fraudsters often try to close before anyone asks too many questions. Often, these scammers will also insist on using their own notary.
- The Paperwork Doesn’t Add Up: Inconsistent names, missing details or strange errors in property documents should stop you in your tracks. Trust us, a little extra caution here can save you big headaches later.
- You Can’t Confirm Who Owns the Property: If the title information doesn’t match public records—or if the seller is evasive about their ID—it’s worth digging deeper.
- The Payment Process Seems Unusual: If you’re being asked to wire funds to an unfamiliar third party, pause. Reliable transactions follow secure and transparent financial procedures.
- They Refuse to Meet Face-to-Face: You may not need to meet in person for every deal, but a complete unwillingness to appear in any live setting (even over video) is a common fraud tactic.
How You Can Protect Yourself
The good news? There are strong protections available to keep your investment safe, and a few key steps you can take to reduce your risk of fraud.
A standard owner’s title insurance policy covers you against financial loss caused by issues like forgery or fraud that happened before you purchased the property. But if you want broader protection—especially given the risks we’ve shared—there’s a smarter option.
For just 15% more, you can upgrade to a Homeowner’s title insurance policy. This enhanced coverage includes everything a standard owner’s policy offers—plus protection against post-policy threats, like forgery or impersonation that could affect your title after closing. That means if someone fraudulently transfers your property or files a deed pretending to be you after you’ve bought the home, this policy helps safeguard your ownership.
Expert Title also takes fraud prevention one step further.
We’ve partnered with our underwriter, Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, to use a secure ID verification tool called val-ID. This simple process confirms that everyone involved in your transaction is who they say they are—and all you need is your cell phone and a state ID or passport.
It’s just one more way we’re working to protect your closing and your peace of mind!
If you’re ever unsure what you need, we’ll walk you through it. Because making confident decisions starts with knowing how you’re protected. That’s why Expert Title is here. We help real estate professionals, buyers and sellers across Ohio stay one step ahead of fraud. Whether you’re closing a deal, reviewing paperwork or just asking questions, you can count on us to provide clear answers and trustworthy service.
You deserve an expert. Contact us today!