• Scammers review public records to identify vacant parcels of land and properties free of mortgages and other liens.
• The scammer
  • poses as the property owner and tricks a real estate licensee into listing the property;
  • is typically out of the state or even the country and will usually only communicate electronically; and
  • will request a remote closing using a remote notary.

• The potential client wants to list the property significantly below market value.
• All communications are digital.
• They demand a quick closing and cash closing.
• The recipient of the proceeds is not listed on the title.
• The potential client claims they are traveling overseas, or there is a family emergency.

• Be cautious if someone asks you to sell vacant land for less than fair market value
• Do your due diligence to verify that the potential client is the actual property owner
• Ask for multiple forms of identification and proof of ownership,
• Request a piece of mail in their name or a tax bill
• Request to meet the seller face-to-face
• Test the potential client about the property by seeking information that isn’t readily available online
• Conduct independent research to confirm the property owner, such as a recent photo, speaking to their last real estate licensee, or speaking to a neighbor
• Verify the potential client’s email and phone number
• Have the title company or your brokerage select the notary to avoid a notary scam
• Request a voided check and a disbursement authorization form
• Check county records and municipal assessment records
• Investigate the property to establish the property owner’s identity
• Use a wire verification service to confirm accuracy of the account information and ownership

Report it to the police department in the town or city where the property is located or the NJ State Police at (609) 882-2000.