Avoiding Real Estate Scams: Tips for Military Families
Updated: Oct 5
Military families move often, close deals from a distance and carry a well-known VA loan benefit, which makes them a target for scammers. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I build scam checks into every transaction. Here are the ones that matter most.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Wire fraud: the biggest risk
In the FBI's 2025 internet crime report, real estate fraud losses reached $275.1 million, up from about $173 million the year before. A common version: right before closing, you get an email that looks like it's from your agent or title company with "updated" wiring instructions. The money goes to the scammer and is often gone for good.
Before you wire anything, call the title company at a phone number you looked up yourself or got at the start of the transaction. Never use a number from the email with the instructions.
Treat any change to wiring instructions as a red flag.
Call the title company to confirm they received the money.
If something goes wrong, call your bank right away and report it to the FBI's IC3.
Misleading VA loan offers
VA says it never contacts veterans to sell financial products and doesn't mail or email refinance offers. Be wary of mailers with official-looking seals, "guaranteed" ultra-low rates, or pressure to refinance quickly. If you're thinking about refinancing, compare offers from several lenders, and read my VA refinance guide first. You can report a suspicious offer to VA at 877-827-3702.
Other warning signs:
Large upfront fees before you've applied
"Foreclosure rescue" companies that charge fees or ask you to sign over your deed. If you're behind on payments, call your servicer, VA or a HUD-approved housing counselor at 800-569-4287.
Down payment "assistance" that requires a big fee first
Check licenses
Look up any mortgage lender or loan officer on NMLS Consumer Access and confirm they're licensed in Virginia. Look up a Virginia real estate agent on the DPOR license lookup.
Rental listing scams
The FTC warns about fake rental listings that copy real homes, often at a too-good price. Watch for an "owner" who can't meet or show the home, asks for a deposit before you've seen it or signed a lease, or wants payment by wire, gift card or payment app. If you're renting at your new duty station, have someone you trust see the home or work with a licensed agent, and check ownership in county land records.
Deed and seller impersonation fraud
Scammers sometimes pose as the owner of vacant land or a rented home and try to sell it. If you own a home you aren't living in, sign up for your county's property alert service. Arlington's Circuit Court Clerk offers free Property Alerts when documents are filed against your property. On the buying side, your title company's search and title insurance protect you.
Slow down
Nearly every scam relies on urgency. A legitimate lender, agent or title company will give you time to read documents and ask questions.
In Northern Virginia
I introduce every client to their title company early and confirm wiring instructions by phone before closing day. If anything about your transaction feels off, call me before you send money or sign anything.
Sources: ALTA on the FBI IC3 2025 report; VA News; FTC, rental listing scams; HUD housing counseling; Arlington Property Alert.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Comments