As technology advances, so do scams—and unfortunately, seniors are among the most targeted groups. According to the FBI, older adults lost more than $3.4 billion to scams in 2025, with real estate-related fraud becoming increasingly common.

From fake property transfers to wire fraud and high-pressure reverse mortgage schemes, scammers are becoming more sophisticated every year. Knowing how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself, your home, and your life savings.

As a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), Shaun Shaya works closely with adults 55+ in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Berkley, Franklin, and throughout Oakland County to ensure every transaction is safe, transparent, and secure.

Here are the most common real estate scams targeting seniors today—and how to avoid them.

1. Deed Theft and Title Fraud

This is one of the most dangerous scams because it can result in you losing legal ownership of your home.

Scammers may:

• Forge your signature

• File fake documents

• Transfer your property into their name without your knowledge

Once completed, they may take out loans against your home or sell it entirely.

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

• Regularly check your property records with your county recorder or registrar of deeds

• Set up property fraud alerts if available

• Review mail and notices carefully

• Work with a trusted Realtor when making any ownership changes

2. Wire Transfer Scams

In this scam, criminals pretend to be from your:

• Title company

• Mortgage lender

• Escrow office

• Real estate agent

They send urgent emails or texts asking you to wire money immediately for “closing costs” or “processing fees.”

Once the money is sent, it’s usually gone forever.

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

• Never wire money based on an email or text alone

• Always verify instructions by calling your lender or agent directly

• Use phone numbers you already trust, not ones in messages

• Ask your Realtor to confirm payment steps

3. The “Helpful” Friend or Relative Scam

Sometimes, scammers aren’t strangers. They may be:

• Friends

• Distant relatives

• Caregivers

• New acquaintances

They offer to “help” by buying your home at a discount, promising to take care of you—then sell it later for a large profit.

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

• Never rush into selling your home

• Get independent legal and financial advice

• Consider placing property in a trust

• Set up a power of attorney with safeguards

• Involve a neutral professional like an SRES® Realtor

4. Fake Contractor and Repair Scams

Scammers may come to your door or call claiming there is:

• Roof damage

• Plumbing problems

• Foundation issues

• Safety hazards

They pressure you to act immediately, demand upfront payment, and then disappear.

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

• Get at least two written estimates

• Check licenses and reviews

• Never sign under pressure

• Avoid paying large amounts upfront

• Consult your Realtor before major repairs

5. Reverse Mortgage Pressure Scams

Reverse mortgages can be helpful for some seniors—but scammers misuse them.

They may:

• Promise “free money”

• Hide fees

• Inflate costs

• Push unnecessary loans

• Pressure you to sign quickly

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

• Never rush into a reverse mortgage

• Consult a HUD-approved counselor

• Speak with a trusted financial advisor

• Review terms with an attorney

• Ask your SRES® Realtor for guidance

Why Working With an SRES® Specialist Matters

Senior real estate transactions require extra care, transparency, and protection. As a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, Shaun Shaya is trained to:

• Spot warning signs of fraud

• Protect clients from risky transactions

• Verify legitimate professionals

• Recommend trusted lenders, attorneys, and inspectors

• Ensure all paperwork is clear and accurate

• Advocate for senior clients at every step

Serving Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Berkley, Franklin, and Oakland County, Shaun puts safety first—because your home represents a lifetime of hard work.

Protect What You’ve Built

Your home is more than just property—it’s your security, your memories, and your legacy. Scammers target seniors because they know how valuable that is.

With the right knowledge and the right professional on your side, you can protect yourself and make confident real estate decisions.

If you have questions about safe transactions, suspicious offers, or need referrals to trusted professionals, Shaun Shaya is here to help.

📍 Serving Oakland County
🏡 Specializing in senior real estate and downsizing
🤝 Committed to honesty, safety, and client protection

Let’s make sure your next move is safe, secure, and stress-free.