Homeowners across the United States are being warned by the FBI about a frightening new scam involving so-called “title pirates.” According to recent investigations, scammers are increasingly targeting property owners by stealing land titles and selling the land without the owners’ knowledge. The Boston division of the FBI has launched a full investigation into these rising cases, urging real estate agents and property owners alike to remain vigilant.
The scam typically involves fraudsters impersonating property owners using fake driver’s licenses and fraudulent documentation to sell vacant lots or even homes. This tactic leaves real owners in a devastating situation—often learning about the crime only after the land has been sold to an unsuspecting buyer.
Real Victims Share Their Stories
Several victims have come forward to share how they became targets of these scams. Halla Shami Jakari from Concord, Massachusetts, is one such victim. She and her husband, Omar, were horrified to discover that their vacant land had been sold without their consent. Even more shocking, the new buyer had already begun construction on the plot. “They stole our dream,” Omar said, describing the profound loss they felt after realizing their property was no longer theirs. In another case, John Grimes from Plymouth explained how he was nearly scammed when an attorney contacted him regarding the sale of his home—despite the fact that he had never listed it. Grimes was further alarmed when an engineering firm arrived at his home to outline a new plot plan, believing the property was in the midst of a sale. His quick actions in filing a fraud report with the FBI prevented what could have been a complete loss of his home.
Elderly Property Owners Most at Risk
FBI Special Agent Vivian Barrios emphasized that elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to these scams. Many elderly people own vacant lots or fully paid-off properties, making them ideal targets for scammers looking to quickly cash in. Barrios noted, “Our elderly population [is] more likely to own vacant pieces of land and homes without mortgages, which have the biggest benefit to criminal actors.” According to the FBI, the scammers exploit the fact that many property sales and legal transactions are now conducted online, making it easier to forge documents and impersonate owners without raising immediate suspicion.
A Nationwide Problem
The problem is not isolated to a single area. From 2019 to 2023, more than 2,300 residents in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island were victims of property theft, collectively losing over $61.5 million. Nationwide, real estate fraud resulted in losses of about $1.3 billion during the same time period, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for property owners to protect themselves. Monitoring deeds, setting up property alerts, and staying in close communication with real estate professionals can all help prevent becoming a victim.
FBI’s Advice and Next Steps
The FBI is urging anyone who suspects they might be a target or victim of a title theft to report the incident immediately. Special Agent Barrios pointed out that speed is critical: “We find that within a 24-hour window, we can sometimes get to the money before it’s left the account, and the banks, together with us, can sometimes get the money back to the victims.”
Conclusion
Homeowners are encouraged to sign up for free registry alerts and monitor any unusual activity related to their property deeds. Awareness, quick action, and vigilance are the best defenses against this alarming and increasingly common scam.
