Buying or selling a home already comes with a lot of moving parts, and today there is an added challenge that many people do not expect. Online scams are becoming more convincing, including the use of deepfakes, which can make a message, voice, photo, or video seem real when it is not. The National Association of REALTORS® has published guidance to help consumers and real estate professionals recognize the warning signs and protect themselves during a transaction. We are sharing these reminders because safety and trust matter in every part of the home buying and selling process.
Cyber-enabled fraud—use of the internet or other technology to steal money, data or identity—accounted for $13.7 billion in 2024, according to the latest data released by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Among cybercrimes, the use of deepfake technology is a growing concern. Deepfake scams increased 40% year-over-year, according to the 2026 Identity Fraud Report by security firm Entrust. Here’s what you need to know about deepfake scams to protect yourself during the sale or purchase of your home.
What are deepfakes? Entrust defines deepfakes as “realistic, AI-generated fake videos, images or audio recordings that mimic a real person’s likeness.”
How are deepfakes used in real estate? Scammers might use deepfake-generated audio or video to impersonate buyers, sellers, real estate agents, real estate lawyers, title agents or other professionals. By pretending to be real people involved in a real estate transaction, criminals can change the wiring or money transfer instructions to divert down payments or closing funds to their own bank accounts. They can also manipulate property photos or virtual tours to hide defects, exaggerate home features or even fabricate nonexistent properties to sell to unsuspecting buyers.
What can you do to protect yourself?
• Work with trusted professionals, like a real estate agent who’s a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
• Use a secure messaging system or encrypted emails (rather than a free email account) when communicating about a real estate transaction.
• Try to avoid entering into a transaction on a property you haven’t seen in person or with a buyer or seller who communicates only electronically.
• Independently verify property documents and ownership through title companies and trusted parties. Never rely solely on digital copies that could have been altered.
• Ask for multifactor authentication before transferring funds or signing important documents. Many companies are now using a third-party verification tool, such as CertifID.
• Invest in fraud-detection tools that can detect deepfakes by analyzing facial movements in videos, voice anomalies and inconsistencies in digital images.
• Consider investing in an owner’s title policy to safeguard against record fraud. The insurance protects you against forged deeds, fraudulent liens and fake owners.
To verify instructions for wiring funds, always talk to the party who’s receiving the funds by phone on a known number, or meet in person. Any urgent change in instructions—whether delivered through an email, audio message or a video call—is a red flag.
What should you do if you suspect a deepfake scam?
• Contact everyone involved in your transaction (real estate agent, lawyer, title company) to alert them to the suspected fraud so that they can exercise extra caution.
• Contact your local and state law enforcement.
• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
The best protection is simple and consistent. Slow down when something feels off, verify identities and wiring instructions using trusted contact information, and keep communication inside secure channels whenever possible. If you are buying or selling a home, work with a local Realtor and a reputable closing partner who will help you confirm details and avoid costly mistakes. Awareness prevents fraud, and a careful process protects your money and your peace of mind. #That'sWhoWeR
Your real estate agent will help you navigate the purchase or sale of a home. An attorney can provide guidance on the laws in the state where you’re purchasing. Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®. Under the NAR’s Code of Ethics, REALTORS® must work in their client’s best interest and treat all parties fairly. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with nearly 3,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,200 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001