After 22 years in real estate, I thought I’d seen it all. For most of my career, fraud wasn’t something I had to think much about when helping clients buy or sell homes and condos. Every now and then, I’d hear a crazy story from another agent or title company, but it always felt distant—something that happened to someone else, somewhere else.
But that’s no longer the case.
In just the past couple of years, I’ve personally come across multiple serious fraud incidents right here in Panama City Beach. In one case, a couple selling their home thought they had done everything by the book. The title company wired them over $600,000…or so they thought. A hacker had intercepted the communication, swapped the account numbers, and the money was gone - transferred to an offshore account within hours.
In another instance, more than $1 million was misdirected. It took the FBI to get involved and recover the money - and they were lucky it was even possible.
These stories are becoming more common, and they’re happening in transactions that seem completely normal...until they’re not. That’s why I wanted to share a few things you should know to better protect yourself the next time you buy or sell real estate in Panama City Beach.
Real Estate Fraud Is On the Rise
Real estate is one of the most valuable assets you can own—and that also makes it a target. Criminals are getting more sophisticated, using technology to impersonate people, forge documents, and even steal identities.
Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or someone with a vacation property you don’t check on every week, it’s important to understand the risks.
Common Types of Property Fraud (And What I’ve Seen)
Title Fraud: Scammers forge documents to illegally transfer ownership of your property and then try to take out loans against it. This is one of the scarier ones because you often don’t find out until it’s too late.
Rental Scams: I’ve seen listings pop up for properties that aren’t even available - because the scammer doesn’t own them. They collect deposits from unsuspecting renters and disappear.
Vacant Land Fraud: I’ve seen scammers go after vacant lots and even second homes - especially if they look unoccupied. They’ll pose as the owner and try to sell the property before anyone catches on.
Mortgage Fraud: Some buyers use fake identities or bogus documents to get a loan. If things unravel after the sale, the mess often ends up affecting the actual homeowner.
Wire Fraud: This is one of the fastest-growing and most costly types of real estate fraud. It usually involves scammers intercepting or altering email communications between buyers, sellers, and title companies. The fraudster tricks one party into wiring funds to an account they control, often using sophisticated phishing techniques to impersonate a trusted contact. Once the money is transferred, it can be moved across multiple accounts and even overseas, making recovery nearly impossible.
Red Flags to Watch For
• Strange activity on your property records or sudden tax notices that don’t make sense.
• Getting mail addressed to someone else at your property.
• Foreclosure threats when you haven’t missed a payment.
• Random calls or messages about selling your property—especially if it’s not listed.
How to Protect Yourself
Monitor Your Title: Check your property records regularly through the Bay County Property Appraiser’s website. It only takes a minute and can alert you to any surprises.
Sign Up for Property Fraud Alerts: Bay County offers a free alert service that emails you if any documents are filed in your name. I recommend every property owner sign up HERE.
Be Smart With Rentals: If you’re listing a property for rent, stick with reputable platforms and screen tenants properly. Watch out for anyone pushing to pay with gift cards or wire transfers.
Keep Your Documents Safe: Store your deed, mortgage paperwork, and any sensitive info in a secure place. Be careful who you share it with.
Verify Wiring Instructions: Always verify wiring instructions through a known, trusted contact before transferring any funds. Never rely solely on email or text messages for this kind of sensitive communication.
Work With a Professional: This is one of the best layers of protection you can have. A licensed real estate agent or attorney will spot red flags that others might miss.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been in real estate for over two decades, and I can tell you - things are changing. The risks are real, but if you stay informed and take a few precautions, you can protect your property and your peace of mind.
Have questions about a property or want to make sure your assets are protected? I’m always happy to help!
