Real estate professionals across Northeast Tennessee and neighboring Washington County, VA, are being urged to stay alert as a recurring scam targeting local agencies continues to surface. The scheme involves individuals impersonating landowners to fraudulently list property for sale, putting both agents and legitimate property owners at risk. 

The fraudsters typically initiate contact by calling or emailing Realtors directly. Posing as the rightful property owner, they often reference accurate details—such as the true owner’s name, mailing address, and even the property’s Tax ID number. Because these details are available through public records, the request can appear legitimate at first glance. 

Once contact is made, the impersonators usually request that the Realtor provide a market valuation or begin the process of listing the property for sale. Their goal is to move quickly before any red flags are raised. In some cases, reported locally, the scheme was exposed only when agents took the extra step of verifying ownership with the actual landholder. Those calls for confirmation have, so far, prevented fraudulent sales from moving forward. 

While no financial losses have been reported to date in Northeast Tennessee or Washington County, the pattern of activity is concerning. Fraudulent listings erode public trust in the real estate process, can consume valuable time and resources for agencies, and – if successful – could result in lengthy legal disputes over property rights. 

For Realtors, the reputational risk is also significant. Even unintentional involvement in a fraudulent listing could damage client relationships and lead to increased scrutiny from regulators or professional associations. 

Realtors and brokers are strongly encouraged to strengthen their verification protocols to safeguard themselves and their clients. Best practices include: 

• Direct Verification: Always confirm ownership by contacting the landholder through independently verified phone numbers or mailing addresses. Avoid relying solely on information provided by the person initiating contact. 
• Cross-Check Documentation: Request proof of identity such as government-issued ID and ensure signatures match public records. 
• Leverage Title Professionals: Partner closely with title companies, which are well-positioned to detect inconsistencies in property ownership records. 
• Educate Your Team: Make sure staff and agents are trained to recognize the hallmarks of this scam and know the proper escalation steps if something looks suspicious. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that all fraud reports are taken seriously, and that its investigators are committed to protecting the integrity of property ownership in the community. Realtors encountering suspicious activity are encouraged to report it promptly, not only to law enforcement but also to their local Realtor® association, which can help spread awareness and prevent additional attempts. 

The increasing sophistication of scams like this reflects a broader trend: criminals are leveraging publicly available data to exploit gaps in the verification process. For Realtors, this underscores the importance of balancing responsiveness with due diligence. 

As the region’s real estate market continues to grow, so does its attractiveness as a target for fraud. By adopting proactive safeguards and maintaining strong communication with both clients and law enforcement, Realtors can protect their businesses while reinforcing public confidence in the buying and selling process. 

In a market built on trust, vigilance is not just a best practice – it’s a professional responsibility.