Can Someone Really Sell My Home Without Me Knowing? (How to Prevent Seller Impersonation Fraud)

It sounds like something out of a movie.

But it happens every single day across the U.S.: someone impersonates a property owner, lists their home for sale, and walks away with the money—while the real owner is left fighting to reclaim their property.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can someone really sell my home without me knowing?” the unfortunate answer is: yes.

But the good news is: there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can someone really sell my home without me knowing?” the unfortunate answer is: yes.

How Seller Impersonation Fraud Works

Here’s how scammers pull it off:

1. They search public records to find properties they think are vulnerable—vacant land, second homes, rental properties, or even your primary residence.

2. They forge identification and create false documents to pose as the rightful owner.

3. They list the property on MLS through a legitimate agent or platform.

4. In many cases, they proceed all the way to closing before anyone catches the fraud.

And all of this can happen while you’re completely unaware.

Can Title Insurance or the County Alert System Protect Me?

Not exactly.

Title insurance protects against losses after the fraud has occurred—meaning you may still be forced into lengthy legal battles to undo a fraudulent sale.

County recording alerts notify you after a deed is recorded—but at that point, the scam is already in motion.

Neither option offers real-time MLS listing fraud protection—which is why more and more homeowners are adding an extra layer of security.

How to Stop Seller Impersonation Fraud Before It Starts

The best way to prevent this type of scam is to monitor where the fraud starts:

on MLS and online listing platforms.

That’s where a real estate fraud monitoring service like Leeza.io comes in.

Leeza.io monitors MLS databases 24/7

If your property is fraudulently listed for sale or rent, you get an immediate alert

You can take action before the fraud reaches the closing table

It’s an easy, affordable way to protect your home from the growing threat of seller impersonation scams.

Protect What You’ve Worked So Hard For

Owning a home should bring peace of mind—not new risks.

With scams on the rise across the country—and North Carolina ranked among the top 15 states for real estate and rental scams—it’s smart to take proactive steps now.

Start protecting your property with Leeza.io today.

Your future self will thank you.