The Growing Threat of Fraud in Georgia Real Estate

By Rachel Mooney

Rachel has built a reputation for making the complex process of buying and selling homes not only enjoyable but also financially rewarding. Her deep understanding of the local market, combined with her genuine passion for helping families transition through different stages of life, has allowed her to serve hundreds of clients with exceptional care and professionalism.

Real estate fraud is becoming more common in Georgia, and too many homeowners are caught off guard. Criminals are not just targeting buyers during transactions with wire scams; they are also filing fraudulent deeds to transfer ownership of property. These schemes are sophisticated and designed to look legitimate, which is why it is critical to understand how they work and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Wire fraud remains a serious risk. Wire fraud remains one of the most damaging scams in real estate. Scammers impersonate an agent or closing attorney and provide false wiring instructions. Once the money is sent, it cannot be recovered. The only way to protect yourself is to verify every detail with your real estate professional or attorney before you transfer funds. Taking a few minutes to double-check can prevent a devastating loss.

Deed fraud is on the rise. Another growing problem is deed fraud. In Georgia, criminals can file a quitclaim deed that transfers ownership of your home, land, rental property, or even vehicles without your knowledge or consent. Once recorded, they may attempt to sell the property or use it as collateral. This type of fraud is not limited to Georgia, but it has become a significant issue across the United States.

Georgia provides a simple solution. To address this issue, the state of Georgia has developed an online system that notifies property owners when documents are filed against their property. By visiting fans.gsccca.org, you can register your properties and receive notifications whenever a change is recorded.

The process is simple: enter your property details, confirm your registration with a code sent to your email, and add as many names, LLCs, or trusts as needed. Once complete, you will know immediately if someone attempts to tamper with your property title.

Vacant and rental properties are prime targets for theft. Fraudsters often look for opportunities where the owner is not physically present. Vacant land and rental properties are at high risk because scammers assume there is less oversight. I personally encountered a case where a scammer tried to sell a vacant property under pretenses. The listing appeared legitimate, and it was only after marketing began that the true owner contacted me to report the fraud. Some of these schemes progress all the way to closing, which is why monitoring tools are essential.

Protecting your investment. The risk of fraud is real, but there are tools available to help you stay ahead of it. By registering your properties with Georgia’s system and staying vigilant, you can prevent criminals from taking what you have worked hard to earn.

The Georgia market is currently in a buyer’s market across all price points, presenting both unique challenges and opportunities. Protecting your property from fraud ensures you can focus on your goals without unnecessary risk. Whether you are buying, selling, or holding property, taking proactive steps today will keep your investments secure for the future. If you have questions about navigating these issues or need guidance on the market, you can contact me by calling or texting 678-804-4733 or emailing rachel@rachelmooney.com. I will help you make the best decisions to protect your property and move forward with confidence.