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.
