San Diego, Calif. — The San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is alerting consumers and real estate professionals across San Diego County to a growing scam in which bad actors impersonate licensed California real estate agents to conduct fraudulent transactions.
According to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), scammers are using the names, license numbers, photos, and professional identities of legitimate real estate agents and brokers to create fake online profiles, including social media accounts and property listings on platforms like Craigslist and TikTok. These impersonators then attempt to engage in illegal real estate activities such as fraudulent home sales, rental scams, and property management schemes.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters are leveraging publicly available information to convincingly pose as licensed professionals. With minimal effort, they can create fake websites, email addresses, and online listings that appear legitimate. In many cases, scammers also fabricate business addresses or use unrelated physical locations to further deceive consumers.
Warning Signs to Watch For
SDAR encourages the public to be cautious of the following red flags:
Requests for upfront fees before services are rendered
Demands for cash payments or wire transfers
Communication from agents who cannot be verified through official channels
Listings or offers that seem unusually favorable or urgent
How to Verify a Real Estate Professional
Consumers are strongly advised to take the following steps before engaging in any real estate transaction:
Look up the agent’s license on the official DRE website.
Independently locate the agent’s office phone number through a trusted directory.
Call the brokerage directly to confirm the agent’s affiliation.
Verify that photos, contact information, and credentials match across official platforms.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you have encountered or been a victim of this scam, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities, including:
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
The California Department of Real Estate
The California Attorney General’s Office
Local law enforcement agencies
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Guidance for Real Estate Professionals
SDAR also advises its members to take proactive measures to protect their identities:
Regularly search your name and license number online
Monitor financial accounts and credit reports
Issue cease-and-desist notices if impersonation is detected
Protecting Our Community
“Protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the real estate profession is a top priority,” said SDAR President, Karen Van Ness. “We encourage everyone—buyers, sellers, renters, and agents—to remain vigilant and verify before they transact.”
Media Contact:
San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR)
Kelly Christensen, [email protected]
CONNECT:
Advertise with SDAR
