Your Home is a Target. Here’s How You Can Fight Back.
Scammers want your Maine or New Hampshire home. They fake documents, offer bogus repairs, and promise mortgage help that never comes. This isn’t theoretical, and it’s happening right here in our backyard.
But fear not. We’ll show you their tricks, their tells, and how to shut them down. The FBI reports homeowners lost over $170 million to real estate fraud last year, with more than 9,300 victims nationwide. This guide is here to help you from being next.
Common Scams You’ll Face
First, you need to know what you’re up against. These scams work because they seem legitimate until it’s too late.
Deed Fraud: They Steal Your House (on Paper)
With deed fraud, criminals forge documents and transfer your home title to themselves. They target empty houses or homes with equity. The FBI sees this problem growing in New England. They often hit properties owned by people who live elsewhere (think vacation homes) or homes in probate.
Maine and New Hampshire registries report increasing cases each year. Once scammers have your deed, they take loans against your property or sell it outright. And you might not discover the theft until you try to refinance or sell your property.
Mortgage Relief Scams: Empty Promises, Empty Wallet
“We’ll save your home!” they promise. They charge upfront fees and then vanish. The FTC bans advance fees for mortgage help because so many homeowners got burned. If someone demands payment before helping with your mortgage, they’re most likely breaking the law.
These scammers monitor foreclosure listings and target people in financial distress. They use official-looking letterhead and throw around terms like “government-approved” and “HAMP modification.” CoreLogic reports that one in 123 mortgage applications contained fraud in 2024, with purchase loans showing higher risk than refinances.
Home Repair Scams: The Work Never Finishes
Someone knocks on your door offering cheap roof repairs. They need a big deposit “for materials.” Then the work drags on, or they disappear. Or they finish but it’s shoddy. Get everything in writing and check references before hiring anyone.
This scam is particularly popular after storms. Scammers swarm affected neighborhoods and they claim to have “just finished a job down the street” and have “leftover materials.” They pressure you to decide immediately.. Legitimate, quality contractors don’t operate this way.
Rental Scams: Your House Gets Listed Without Your Knowledge
Scammers find vacant properties and list them for rent. They collect deposits from multiple victims, then disappear. Or they pose as tenants with fake payment proof. They also copy real listings but change the contact information. They offer below-market rent to attract many applicants quickly. They refuse to show the property in person, claiming they’re out of town. According to Snappt’s 2025 data, property managers now only catch 75% of fraudulent rental applications, down from 90% before the pandemic.
Pro tip: Check your property records regularly, especially if you own multiple properties.
First-Time Buyers: They Target You Most
If you’re buying your first home, you need to be prepared. A 2025 report found first-time buyers face triple the risk of wire fraud compared to experienced homeowners. An astounding one in four people receive suspicious messages during real estate deals.
Tom Cronkright from CertifID explains why: “When you’re a first-time home buyer, everything’s new,” Cronkright says. “You have multiple parties in a transaction — more than you’d have in any other high-ticket purchase. And you’re often communicating by text and email. So, you have an infrequent transaction, multiple parties, and very large sums of money being transferred. That’s a dangerous mix.”
Wire fraud hits hardest right before closing. Scammers hack email accounts, monitor transaction details, then send fake wiring instructions. Always verify transfer information by phone using a number you’ve independently confirmed.
Red Flags That Scream “Scam”
Scammers leave clues. If you learn them, you’ll be better prepared:
- Pressure tactics. “Sign today or lose everything!” Legitimate businesses will give you time.
- Upfront fees. They want money before doing anything.
- Too good to be true. Nobody sells houses at half price.
- They isolate you. “Don’t tell your lender.” “Don’t call your lawyer.” They fear professional scrutiny.
- Weird payment methods. Gift cards? Wire transfers to individuals? Legitimate business does not operate this way.
- Unprofessional communications. Typos, grammar errors, and generic email addresses (i.e. gmail) signal trouble.
- Vague answers. Ask specific questions. Scammers will give vague replies or change the subject.
- Impersonation. They claim to represent your bank or the government. Verify independently using contact info you find yourself, not what they provide. Imposter scams topped fraud categories in 2024 with 845,806 reports and $2.95 billion in losses.
- Strange property notices. Unexpected mail about your deed or liens you don’t recognize should demand your immediate attention.
Protect Your Property Now
Take these steps to safeguard your biggest investment:
Shield Your Deed
Sign up for Property Fraud Alerts through your county. They’ll notify you if someone files documents against your property. Check your property records yearly. Many counties offer online access.
Consider enhanced title insurance that covers fraud attempts. Standard policies often exclude this protection. The extra cost pays off if someone targets your property.
Keep your personal information secure. Shred documents with your Social Security number, birth date, and financial details. Update passwords regularly. Use different passwords for different accounts.
Handle Financial Hardship Right
If you struggle with mortgage payments, call your lender directly. They have programs to help. Talk to a free HUD-approved housing counselor for legitimate guidance.
Never pay upfront for mortgage help. Legitimate services take payment after they deliver results. Government programs for homeowners in trouble don’t charge application fees.
Your mortgage servicer wants to avoid foreclosure as much as you do. They often work with borrowers on payment plans, forbearance, or loan modifications. Contact them early, before you miss payments.
Verify Everything
When hiring contractors, get multiple written estimates. Check licenses, insurance, and references. Pay in installments as work progresses, not all upfront.
Check your credit reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. Consider freezing your credit if you won’t apply for loans soon. A credit freeze blocks new accounts in your name.
Trust your gut. If something feels wrong about a transaction or offer, pause. Ask questions. Seek second opinions from professionals you trust. As Darius Kingsley at Chase warns, “Scammers will look to take advantage of this busy season to scam prospective buyers, sellers, and current homeowners out of their hard-earned money and personal information.”
Where to Get Help
Maine Resources
- AG’s Consumer Protection Division: Your first stop for scam complaints in Maine. They investigate and prosecute fraud.
- MaineHousing: Offers legitimate assistance programs and guidance.
- County Registries of Deeds: Check your property records here. The central portal connects you to county offices.
- Local Law Enforcement: Report suspected crimes immediately.
New Hampshire Resources
- DOJ Consumer Protection Bureau: NH’s main office for fraud complaints.
- NH Banking Department: Provides guidance on avoiding financial scams.
- New Hampshire Housing: Offers homeowner resources and scam prevention info.
- County Registries: Each county maintains property records you should monitor.
National Help
- FTC: Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- CFPB: Handles issues with financial products and services
- HUD Housing Counseling: Free or low-cost help with housing issues
- FBI: Investigates major fraud schemes
FAQ: Quick Answers
What’s my first move if I suspect deed fraud? Call the police, then your county Registry of Deeds, then a lawyer. Act fast.
Are property fraud alert services free? Yes, in most counties. Call your Registry of Deeds to confirm and sign up.
How can CUSO Home Lending help with scam concerns? We provide helpful information, can discuss mortgage options, and connect you with trusted resources. Contact us for guidance.
Where do I report bad contractors? Your state Attorney General’s office and the Better Business Bureau. Your report will help protect others.
Stay Vigilant
Your home needs protection. Scammers count on your trust and urgency. When it comes to your biggest asset, don’t give them either.
Be skeptical. Question everything. Verify independently. Check your property records. Monitor your credit.
CUSO stands with you. We provide straight information and support our community. Your vigilance matters most.
Questions? Contact CUSO today.
