House & Apartment
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Scammers may impersonate people or redirect communications to fake numbers or email addresses.
- Face-to-face: If a buyer is not using a licensed professional, ask why. Always verify IDs before any funds are transferred.
- Emails: Type addresses yourself. Do not click on links or attachments. Ask for a video call if communication is only by email or text.
- Phone or text: Use publicly listed numbers to contact professionals and businesses involved in a deal. Do not trust numbers given by someone else.
Do not accept checks or wires for large sums yourself. Have a licensed title company, lawyer , or escrow agent hold earnest money. Ask about their security processes.
Illinois and federal laws do not require instant refunds. If a buyer sends money and requests a refund of part or all of it, talk to the receiving bank before agreeing to a refund. Funds may appear in an escrow or seller's account before the sending and receiving banks detect fraud .
- Call all banks involved using official numbers, and
- Wait until the receiving bank confirms that the check or wire has fully cleared.
Use the FDIC’s BankFind website to check if a buyer's bank exists. Verify the details on the check with the bank by calling the bank at the bank's official number.
Warning signs include:
- Unusually large deposits,
- Unrepresented or remote buyers,
- Pressure to close quickly, and
- Fast cancellations after a claim that money was sent.
When warning signs suggest fraud, do not confront the suspect. Learn about Dealing with real estate fraud.
Maintain copies of contracts, deposits, and communications. These help prove fraud and support investigations.
- Take screenshots of texts,
- Save emails as PDFs,
- Download bank records, and
- Keep copies of all wire instructions or checks.
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
