How to Avoid Real Estate Scams When Selling in North Carolina

You're selling your home and received an offer. But something feels off. The buyer is pushing for a quick closing, asking for unusual payment arrangements, or requesting personal information before you've even agreed to anything. Your gut says something's wrong.

Trust that instinct.

Real estate scams targeting home sellers are real, sophisticated, and can cost you thousands of dollars—or even your entire property. While most real estate transactions are legitimate, scammers specifically target stressed sellers, elderly homeowners, and people facing financial hardship.

Let me show you how to protect yourself, identify red flags, and ensure you're working with legitimate buyers when selling your Newton or Catawba County home.

Common Real Estate Scams Targeting Sellers

1. Wire Transfer Fraud

How It Works:

• You're scheduled to close
• You receive email with wiring instructions for where to send funds (or where buyer will send funds)
• Email looks legitimate (appears to be from title company, attorney, or real estate agent)
• Wire instructions are fraudulent
• Money sent to scammer's account, not legitimate closing

North Carolina Reality: This is the #1 real estate scam nationwide, including NC.

Example: Newton seller scheduled to close on $200,000 home. Day before closing, received email "from title company" with updated wiring instructions. Seller sent $5,000 earnest money deposit to fraudulent account. Money disappeared.

Red Flags:

• Last-minute changes to wiring instructions
• Emails with slight misspellings in sender address
• Pressure to wire immediately
• Requests to send to individual rather than company account

Protection:

• NEVER wire money based on email instructions alone
• Always verify wiring instructions by calling known phone number (not number in email)
• Confirm verbally with title company or attorney
• Be suspicious of any last-minute changes
• Use secure portal for instructions when possible

2. "We Buy Houses" Scams

How It Works:

• Company contacts you claiming to buy houses for cash
• They pressure you to sign contracts immediately
• They offer far below market value
• They charge fees upfront
• They never actually buy the house

Variations:

• Assignment scam: They get you to sign contract, then try to "assign" it to another buyer for profit without your knowledge
• Fee scam: Charge upfront "processing fees," "inspection fees," or "earnest money" then disappear
• Foreclosure rescue: Promise to save your home from foreclosure, take deed, rent home back to you, keep payments, property goes to foreclosure anyway

Red Flags:

• High-pressure tactics ("This offer expires today!")
• Unprofessional appearance or behavior
• Requests for upfront fees
• Wants you to sign before you can review or show attorney
• Promises that sound too good to be true
• No physical office or verifiable business address
• Can't provide references or proof of past purchases
• Asks you to make mortgage payments to them directly

Protection:

• Research the company (Google reviews, BBB, county records)
• Never pay upfront fees to sell your house
• Have attorney review ALL documents before signing
• Take your time—legitimate buyers will wait
• Get multiple offers from different buyers
• Verify they have funds to actually purchase

3. Title/Deed Theft

How It Works:

• Scammer files fraudulent deed transferring your property to them
• They take out loans against property or sell it
• You don't know until you receive foreclosure notice or property tax issues

How They Do It:

• Forge your signature on deed
• File false documents with county register of deeds
• Target elderly, vacant properties, or out-of-state owners
• Use stolen identity information

North Carolina Context: Catawba County Register of Deeds records documents presented to them—they don't verify authenticity.

Protection:

• Monitor your property through county register of deeds website
• Consider title monitoring service
• Check credit reports regularly (loans against property show up)
• Be suspicious of unexpected property-related mail
• Secure personal identification documents
• If you own vacant property, check on it regularly

4. Rental Scams (You as Victim)

How It Works:

• Your home is for sale
• Scammer copies your listing photos and details
• They post fake rental listing at low price
• Collect deposits/rent from multiple people
• Disappear with money
• Victims show up thinking they rented your house

Impact on You:

• Angry people showing up at your house
• Your photos being used fraudulently
• Can confuse your legitimate sale process
• Wastes your time dealing with victims

Protection:

• Watermark listing photos with address
• Monitor Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for fake listings of your property
• Report fraudulent listings immediately
• Work with reputable listing agent
• Keep your property address off photos if possible in online listings

5. Fake Buyer Agent Scam

How It Works:

• Someone claims to be real estate agent representing buyer
• Pressures you to sign contract
• May ask for personal information
• Not actually licensed agent
• No real buyer exists

Red Flags:

• Can't provide license number
• No legitimate brokerage affiliation
• Pressure to sign before you can verify their credentials
• Contact comes out of nowhere (didn't respond to listing)
• Won't meet in person at their office

Protection:

• Verify agent license at NC Real Estate Commission website
• Call their brokerage to confirm affiliation
• Meet at their office
• Google their name and check reviews

6. Home Improvement/Repair Scams

How It Works:

• You're preparing house for sale
• Contractor offers to do repairs
• Takes deposit and never comes back, or
• Does shoddy work
• Demands more money mid-project
• Leaves project incomplete

Red Flags:

• Door-to-door solicitation
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Cash-only payment
• Large upfront deposits (>30%)
• No written contract
• No license or insurance
• Can't provide references

Protection:

• Get multiple bids
• Check contractor license (NC Board of General Contractors)
• Verify insurance
• Get detailed written contract
• Never pay 100% upfront
• Pay by check or credit card (not cash)
• Get references and check them

7. Phishing for Information

How It Works:

• Scammer contacts you claiming to be interested in your home
• Asks for personal information: SSN, bank account, birth date, etc.
• Uses information for identity theft

Red Flags:

• Asks for personal information before making offer
• Wants banking information before closing
• Requests copies of driver's license or passport before necessary
• Email from non-professional email address

Protection:

• Never provide SSN until you're at title company for closing
• Don't send banking information via email
• Verify identity of person requesting information
• Share personal information only when necessary and with verified parties

How to Identify Legitimate Cash Buyers

Many people selling distressed properties or needing quick sales worry all cash buyers are scams. They're not—but you need to verify legitimacy.

Signs of Legitimate Cash Buyer

Professional Presence:

• Established website
• Physical business address
• Business phone number (not just cell)
• Professional email domain (not @gmail)
• Active social media with real reviews

Verifiable History:

• Google reviews from past sellers
• BBB profile
• County records show past purchases
• Can provide references
• Member of real estate investor associations

Transparent Process:

• Explains process clearly
• No pressure tactics
• Allows time to review contracts
• Encourages you to have attorney review
• Provides detailed offer explanation
• Willing to answer all questions

Proof of Funds:

• Can provide bank letter showing funds available
• Works with known title company
• References you can call

No Upfront Fees:

• Doesn't charge fees to make offer
• Pays for their own inspections
• Doesn't ask for "processing fees" or "earnest money" before contract

Local Presence:

• Operates in your area
• Knows local market
• Has established relationships with local title companies/attorneys

Red Flags With "Cash Buyers"

• Asks for money before closing
• High-pressure tactics
• Won't provide proof of funds
• No verifiable history
• Can't provide past seller references
• Wants you to sign immediately
• Discourages attorney review
• Offers way below value without explanation
• Contact information doesn't check out

Verifying Legitimacy: Step-by-Step

Before Accepting Any Offer

1. Research the Buyer/Company:

• Google the company name + "reviews"
• Check Better Business Bureau
• Search company name + "scam" or "complaint"
• Verify business registration (NC Secretary of State website)
• Check county property records for their past purchases

2. Verify People:

• If working with agent: Check NC Real Estate Commission license
• If cash buyer: Look up in county records, Google their name
• If investor: Check if member of local real estate investment groups

3. Check Contact Information:

• Call the business number, make sure it's legitimate business
• Visit website, ensure it's professional and established
• Verify physical address exists (Google street view)

4. Request References:

• Ask for past sellers they've purchased from
• Actually call the references
• Ask about their experience

5. Proof of Funds:

• Request bank letter or proof of funds
• Verify it's from legitimate bank
• Call bank to verify if large transaction

During Contract Process

1. Have Attorney Review:

• Hire real estate attorney to review ALL documents
• Cost: $300-$500
• Worth every penny for protection

2. Use Reputable Title Company:

• Insist on known, established title company
• Research title company independently
• Beware if buyer insists on unknown title company

3. Never Pay Upfront:

• No legitimate sale requires seller to pay buyer
• No "processing fees" or "earnest money" from seller
• All costs come out of sale proceeds at closing

4. Read Everything:

• Don't sign anything you don't understand
• Take your time
• Ask questions about every clause
• Watch for: Unusual payment terms, assignment clauses, repair requirements

At Closing

1. Verify Wiring Instructions:

• Call title company at known number
• Confirm wiring details verbally
• Don't trust email instructions alone

2. Review All Documents at Closing:

• Numbers should match contract
• Read everything before signing
• Don't let anyone rush you

3. Confirm Payment Method:

• Cash sales = Cashier's check or wire at closing
• Funds should go through title company
• Never accept cash directly from buyer

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Ask potential buyers:

1. How many properties have you purchased in the last year?
2. Can you provide three references from past sellers?
3. What title company do you use?
4. Can you provide proof of funds?
5. How long have you been in business?
6. What's your company's physical address?
7. Can I have my attorney review the contract?
8. What fees am I responsible for?
9. How long will closing take?
10. Have you purchased properties in Catawba County before?

If they hesitate or refuse to answer: Red flag.

Protecting Your Personal Information

Information You Should NOT Provide Until Closing:

• Social Security Number
• Bank account details
• Passwords
• Credit card numbers
• Copies of driver's license (until closing)

Information That's Reasonable to Provide:

• Property address
• Your name and phone number
• General property details (beds, baths, condition)
• Whether you're interested in selling

At Appropriate Time (After Offer Accepted):

• Signed contract
• Title information
• Payoff information (to title company)
• SSN (at closing only, to title company)

What to Do If You're Scammed

Immediate Actions

1. Stop All Transactions: Don't send more money, don't sign anything else
2. Contact Your Bank: If you wired money, call immediately—may be able to reverse
3. File Police Report: Contact local police (Newton Police, Catawba County Sheriff)
4. Report to FBI: Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov)
5. Contact Attorney: Consult real estate attorney immediately

Also Report To

• NC Attorney General's Office (Consumer Protection Division)
• Better Business Bureau
• NC Real Estate Commission (if licensed agent involved)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov)

For Wire Fraud

• Contact FBI (wire fraud is federal crime)
• File complaint at IC3.gov
• Contact sending and receiving banks
• Time is critical—act immediately

Working With Triton Homebuyers Safely

We're a legitimate cash buyer, and we want you to verify that:

How to Verify Us:

• Check our Google reviews
• Look up our past purchases in Catawba County property records
• Call references we provide
• Visit us at our office or meet at title company
• Review our website and social media presence
• Have your attorney review our contract

Our Process:

• Free offer with no obligation
• Detailed explanation of how we calculated offer
• Time to review and ask questions
• Encourage attorney review
• Use established local title companies
• Close at legitimate title company
• Never charge fees
• Provide proof of funds

We Will Never:

• Pressure you to sign immediately
• Ask for money before closing
• Discourage attorney review
• Rush you through documents
• Ask for personal information before appropriate
• Make promises we can't keep

Red Flags Checklist

Run away if buyer:

• Asks for money before closing
• Pressures you to sign immediately
• Discourages attorney review
• Can't provide proof of funds
• Has no verifiable history
• Won't provide references
• Can't show past purchases
• Has terrible or no reviews
• Contact information doesn't check out
• Makes promises that sound too good to be true
• Wants unusual payment arrangements
• Asks for personal information too early
• Uses high-pressure tactics
• Gets defensive when you ask questions

If ANY of these are present: Do not proceed.

The Bottom Line

Legitimate buyers:

• Are transparent
• Allow time for review
• Encourage attorney involvement
• Provide verifiable information
• Don't pressure you
• Have established track record

Scammers:

• Create urgency
• Avoid questions
• Can't provide verification
• Ask for money
• Discourage attorney review
• Use pressure tactics

When in doubt: Slow down, research, ask questions, and consult with attorney.

Ready to Sell Safely?

At Triton Homebuyers, we understand sellers are rightfully cautious about cash buyers. We encourage you to verify our legitimacy, check our references, and have your attorney review everything.

We're a legitimate local business that's purchased hundreds of properties in Catawba County. We're transparent, professional, and want you to feel completely comfortable with the transaction.

Get your free, no-obligation cash offer today—and verify everything about us before you decide.

Contact Triton Homebuyers—a legitimate, verified cash buyer throughout Newton and Catawba County.