Seller impersonation is a fraud scheme in which a criminal poses as the property owner and tries to sell or refinance a property they do not own. Title and escrow companies verify identity specifically to catch these attempts, which is why you may be asked for extra identification even when you are the legitimate owner.

How Seller Impersonation Works

The fraudster obtains enough personal information about the real owner to impersonate them: name, address, sometimes a copy of an ID. They then list the property for sale, accept an offer, and show up at closing with fake identification. Because the property is often vacant, owned free and clear, or owned by an absentee owner, no one notices until it is too late.

  • Targets include vacant land, second homes, and investor-owned rentals.
  • Free-and-clear properties are preferred because there is no lender to catch the fraud.
  • The real owner may not learn about it until the buyer tries to take possession.

Why Title Companies Verify Identity

A title company's job is to make sure the person selling actually owns the property. Identity verification, fraud checks, and direct contact with the recorded owner are standard safeguards. When the closing team asks you to verify your identity, it is protecting you, the buyer, and the lender.

  • Verification confirms the seller matches the recorded owner.
  • Fraud checks flag inconsistencies in the documents and the story.
  • The extra step is routine, not an accusation.

What to Expect at Closing

You may be asked to provide a government-issued ID, answer verification questions, or complete a remote identity check. Some title companies use third-party verification services. If the technology is difficult, tell the closing team; they can usually arrange an alternative.

  • Bring current government-issued identification.
  • Expect questions that confirm your identity and ownership history.
  • Ask for an alternative method if the technology does not work for you.

Red Flags for Buyers and Agents

A seller who rushes the deal, resists verification, insists on a quick wire, or cannot explain their ownership history should raise concerns. Agents should verify the seller's identity and ownership before listing. Buyers should never send funds without independent verification of wiring instructions.

  • The seller cannot produce identification that matches the record.
  • The seller pressures for a fast closing or unusual payment methods.
  • The property is vacant or owned by an absentee owner and the seller seems disconnected from it.

What to Do If You Are a Victim

If you discover that someone sold your property without your knowledge, act immediately: contact local law enforcement, file a report with the FBI's IC3, and consult a real estate attorney and your title professional. Time matters because the fraud may already be recorded.

  • File a police report and an IC3 complaint.
  • Contact the title company involved in the fraudulent closing.
  • Consult an attorney about clearing the forged deed from the record.

The Bottom Line

Seller impersonation is one of the fastest-growing fraud patterns in real estate, and identity verification is the industry's primary defense. When your title company asks you to verify who you are, it is doing exactly what it should. Cooperate, and if something feels off about a deal, stop and ask questions.

  • Read the guide on vacant land fraud for the owner-side protections.
  • Read the wire fraud guide before you send any funds.
  • Contact the Viking team with questions about identity verification.