Buying or selling a home in Las Vegas should feel exciting, not stressful—but unfortunately, scams in real estate are on the rise. From fake rental listings to wire fraud during closings, bad actors are constantly finding new ways to trick people out of their hard-earned money. As a local realtor who’s seen how devastating these scams can be, I want to share the most common schemes I’ve come across in Southern Nevada—and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself.
1. Fake Rental Listings
The Scam: A scammer copies photos and details of a real property (often one that’s actually for sale) and reposts it online as a “rental.” They’ll advertise below-market rent, then pressure you to send a deposit before you’ve even toured the property.
Real Example: A Moapa Valley home I listed in 2023 was cloned on Craigslist as a rental. The scammer even used my listing photos but listed the property for $900/month (about half of what it would realistically rent for). Several people reached out to me after they had already been asked to wire a deposit.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never send money before seeing a property in person.
- Verify ownership through the Clark County Assessor’s website.
- Work with a licensed local property manager or realtor who can confirm the legitimacy of the listing.
2. Wire Fraud During Escrow
The Scam: Hackers intercept email communications during a real estate transaction. They pose as your title company or agent and send “updated” wiring instructions—tricking buyers into wiring their down payment to the wrong account.
Real Example: In Las Vegas last year, a buyer lost over $70,000 when they followed fraudulent wiring instructions sent from a hacked email that looked nearly identical to their title company’s.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always call your escrow officer at a verified number before wiring money.
- Never trust last-minute wiring changes sent by email.
- Ask your agent to walk you through the secure process before closing.
3. Deed Fraud
The Scam: Criminals forge signatures on property records to transfer ownership of a home without the real owner’s knowledge. This often targets vacant homes, elderly homeowners, or investment properties.
Real Example: In North Las Vegas, an investor discovered someone had “sold” their rental property without their consent. It took months of legal battles to reclaim ownership.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Sign up for Clark County’s Property Fraud Alert system, which notifies you if your name appears on new documents.
- Check your property records annually to make sure everything looks correct.
4. Foreclosure Rescue Scams
The Scam: Struggling homeowners are approached by someone claiming they can “save” their home from foreclosure—if they sign over the deed or pay upfront fees. In reality, these scammers walk away with cash (and sometimes your house).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be wary of anyone promising a quick foreclosure fix.
- Work directly with your lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor.
- Never transfer your deed without consulting an attorney or trusted advisor.
5. Too-Good-to-Be-True Investment Deals
The Scam: You’re told you can buy into “can’t-miss” property deals in Las Vegas with guaranteed returns. Often, these turn out to be Ponzi schemes or wildly overpriced lots in undeveloped areas.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Ask for proof of licensing and track record.
- Research zoning and land use through Clark County before investing.
- Consult with a trusted local realtor (like me) who can verify if a deal actually makes sense in today’s market.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas real estate is full of opportunity, but like any booming market, it attracts its share of scams. The good news is that with a little knowledge and the right team around you, you can protect yourself and move forward with confidence.
If you ever come across a deal that feels off—whether it’s a rental that looks too cheap, last-minute wiring changes, or a stranger pushing you to sign paperwork—pause and double-check. I’m always happy to be a resource, even if you’re not buying or selling right now.
