House & Apartment

Real estate fraud happens when someone lies or uses false documents in a property deal. Fraudsters may take money or property. Buyers, sellers, or property owners may lose money or end up with a clouded title. A clouded title means ownership is unclear. A court case may be needed to fix a clouded title.

Three main types of real estate fraud in Illinois are:

• Deed A legal paper that transfers ownership of real estate. It is recorded in the local land records. fraud (also called fake seller fraud),
• Wire fraud, and
• Fake earnest money scams.

Learn about safety steps for buyers in How property buyers can protect against fraud.

When warning signs suggest fraud, do not confront the suspect. Learn about Dealing with real estate fraud.