Individuals posing as landowners continue to be reported through online portals or lead services. These scammers often attempt to list land they do not own and disappear before verification. Take these steps
to protect yourself, your brokerage and your clients.

• Verify Ownership: Look up the owner in tax records and confirm the name and contact info using tools like Forewarn. If you don't have a Forewarn account, set one up soon.
• Require ID Verification: Ask the "seller" to hold up a government-issued photo ID next to their face on a live Zoom or FaceTime call and get a copy of the ID for your records — fraudsters typically refuse this step.
• Trust Ownership: If the land is in a trust, request proof that they are an authorized signatory. Scammers usually can’t produce this.
• Check the history of the property in the MLS and contact the previous listing agent/firm if something seems strange about the listing (short time on market, sudden withdrawal). 

Report a suspicious seller lead through Realtor.com at or through Zillow. 
Victims of fraud should contact the FBI or NC Attorney General – Fraud Hotline (877) 5NO-SCAM.
 
If the property was fraudulently listed on Canopy MLS, email the property address and MLS# to Compliance at Canopy Realtors. Staff will delete the listing so that it does not negatively impact the owner. A copy of the fraudulent MLS listing will be emailed to you for your records, in case you need to share it with the FBI or other relevant agencies, where you or the owner may have reported the fraud.