The 3 Biggest Home Seller Scams in 2026 (And How to Shut Them Down)

Home seller scams are getting smarter, more targeted, and far more convincing in 2026. In many cases, they don’t start with something obviously suspicious. They start with what looks like a real buyer, a polite message, or a routine step in the closing process.

Because we help hundreds of sellers a year, we’re in the unique position of seeing some of these scams surface early as we recognize paterns across our listings. The good news is that these scams are almost entirely preventable if you know what to look for and how to respond.

Below are the three biggest scams currently targeting home sellers, how they work, and exactly how to protect yourself.

Scam #1: The “Relocating Buyer” Scam

This scam usually starts with a professional-sounding message by text, email, or voicemail. It often mentions relocation, urgency, Zoom meetings, or working with a lawyer.

How it works:

Typically, a buyer will reach out via text message or email, saying they are relocating from out of state and want to discuss making on offer on the property with you with their lawyers on Zoom. If they reach out via text, they may ask for your email first, otherwise the email will likely include a Zoom meeting link. The goal is to get you to click a malicious link designed to trick you into sharing sensitive and personal information. These links, depending on the scammers goal, could uncover anything from passwords to financial detals.

Red flags to watch for:

• No mention of budget or price range
• No clear city, neighborhood, or criteria
• Repetitive responses that avoid your questions
• Hasn’t seen the home and seemingly uninterested in seeing the home
• Pressure to click links

How to shut it down:

Ask two simple questions:

1. What areas or neighborhoods are you considering?
2. What’s your price range or budget?
3. Can you send over your pre-aproval letter or proof of funds?

Any real buyer would be willing to answer these questions, especially the first two. Any buyer submitting an offer should always provide proof of funds/financing with that offer. If your out-of-state “buyer” struggles to provide specifics, resists questions, and continues to redirect to just “work it out with their lawyers over Zoom” you are likely facing a scammer and should disengage.

Scam #2: The Accidental Overpayment Scam

This one is especially dangerous for FSBO sellers. It often begins with what seems like a dream scenario: a cash buyer offering full price (or more), sight unseen, with no contingencies.

How it works:

A buyer will contact you offering full-price in cash, no contingencies. They likely will not have seen the home and don’t appear to be concerned about seeing it. Usually, they will execute the deal “verbally” (meaning no offer contract) over email or text. They won’t involve a title company, attorney, or real estate agent (this is one reason they tend to target For Sale By Owners). To close quickly, the “buyer” insists on sending a cashier’s check directly to you, but before it clears they say they “accidentally sent more than needed” and ask you to refund them the difference. This request is expertly timed while the check shows pending so you are more likely to agree to the refund. The cashier check will ultimately bounce and you will be out the “refund” money with no way to recover it.

Red flags to watch for:

• Full-price or above-price offers with no showing (and subsequently no walkthrough or inspection contingencies)
• Requests to send money directly to you
• Pressure to move quickly without a formal contract
• Avoids involving any reputable third party (title company, lawyer, real estate agent, etc.)
• Any request to refund money prior to closing/clearing (reputable title companies are excellent partners to help avoid this scam)

How to shut it down:

• Never accept earnest money directly
• Use a title company or broker to hold funds
• Require proof of funds for the entire purchase
• Independently verify banks and lenders
• Insist the buyer see the property or complete a walkthrough

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you are thinking about selling, or already listed by owner in Ohio, you are welcome to reach out ot us via email or by booking a free call if you want help vetting a buyer and getting an offer on paper in a way that protects you and your interests.

Scam #3: Wire Fraud

According to the FBI, nearly $1 billion is intercepted from home sellers every year through wire fraud schemes, making this the most financially devastating scam in real estate.

How it works:

A scammer gains access to someone’s email (buyer, agent, or title company) which gives them access to monitor the transaction quietly. As closing approaches they will typically pose as the title company, copying their email style and signatures, to ask you for “updated wiring instructions”. Alternatively, they will pose as the seller and email the title company with “your” updated wiring instructions. Either way, the money will be wired at closing into a fraudulent account with no way to get it back.

Red flags to watch for:

• Wiring instructions sent by email or text
• Requests to “verify” or “resend” banking details
• Last-minute changes to payment instructions
• Title companies that handle sensitive data by email or text / doesn’t employ a secure system or a phone-call verification

How to shut it down:

• Never trust wiring changes sent by email or text
• Use title companies with secure portals (like Qualia)
• Verify wiring instructions by calling a known phone number
• Upload sensitive information only through secure systems

Once wiring instructions are set, there are practically 0 reasons they should change. If anyone involved in your transaction (title company, agent, buyer, lender) says they have changed or need to change, call your agent or your title company right away. To be extra safe, call the number that Google or their website provides directly instead of calling any number provided to you in the email or text you are suspicous of. Read this to learn how to vet title companies to make sure only the most reputable and secure company is handling your sensitive personal and financial data.

The 3 Rules That Eliminate Most Seller Risk

TLDR? Well, if you remember nothing else, remember these 3 rules to keep your information and money safe when selling:

1. Real buyers provide proof of funds or pre-approval
2. Real earnest and closing money goes through a title company, not directly to you
3. Real wiring instructions are verified by phone or secure portal, never email or text

Sell Smart. Sell Safe.

Scams are everywhere and getting more sophisiticated ever day, but once you understand their playbook, their leverage disappears.

If you’re selling in Ohio and want expert guidance, secure processes, and protection from costly mistakes, we’re here to help., schedule a Free Home Selling Strategy call with me. We’ll set you up to sell safely and save thousands in agent commissions. The best of both worlds.

Want to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of the Talking Realty Podcast for real-world examples and deeper breakdowns of each scam.

In the meantime, keep sending your questions. Your best bet is to send a message to me and my team Support@OhioMLSFlatFee.com. We read and respond to every email, even if we aren’t the best people to help you we will point you in the right direction.

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