Here’s what Fresno families need to know. Why Seniors Are Being Targeted Scammers often assume older adults: Have built equity in their homes May not be as comfortable with online systems Are more likely to trust someone who sounds “professional”And unfortunately, that combination can be exploited. The good news? Awareness is power. The Most Common Real Estate Scams Happening Now Here are the schemes we’re seeing across California: 1.Foreclosure Rescue Schemes Scammers promise to stop foreclosure in exchange for upfront fees or transferring title. Victims often lose both their home and their money. 2.Unlicensed Prepaid Rental Listing Services Companies charge upfront for rental lists without proper licensing. The listings are often outdated, fake, or already rented. 3.Timeshare Resale Rental Schemes Fraudsters promise to sell or rent your timeshare for a fee, exaggerating value or selling nonexistent interests. 4.Online Rental Fraud Fake listings appear online, asking for deposits or personal information before the scammer disappears. 5.Unlicensed Property Managers Individuals manage rental properties without the required real estate license, leading to financial and legal issues. 6.Real Property Recordation (Title) Fraud Forged deeds are recorded against properties without the owner’s knowledge, creating ownership disputes. 7.Real Property Investment Schemes High-return real estate investments are promoted but are either misrepresented or nonexistent. 8.Reverse Mortgage Scams Misleading terms or excessive fees drain seniors’ home equity and may lead to foreclosure. 9.Vacant Land Scams Bad actors pose as owners of vacant land and attempt to sell property they do not own, sometimes even involving legitimate agents unknowingly. Protect Yourself Before Harm Happens A few protective habits can prevent major damage: Work only with licensed professionals and verify credentials directly through state websites. Never pay in cash or wire funds in connection with a real estate transaction. Never pay upfront for foreclosure relief services. Do not sign agreements you don’t understand, haven’t fully read, or that contain blank spaces. Protect personal information like Social Security numbers and financial records. Monitor your property title regularly, just as you would your credit report. Never transfer ownership of your home or grant power of attorney to someone you do not personally know and trust. If someone pressures you, guarantees results, or asks for secrecy, pause immediately. Real estate is one of the largest financial assets most families will ever own. For many seniors, it represents decades of hard work and stability. Scammers count on urgency and confusion. Community conversations help stop them. Share this information with parents, neighbors, and friends especially those who may be navigating refinancing, rental listings, or foreclosure concerns. Report Suspected Fraud If you believe you have been targeted or victimized, file a complaint with the California Department of Real Estate as soon as possible. You can report concerns here:https://dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html The sooner fraud is reported, the faster it can be stopped. Stay vigilant, Fresno. Protect what you’ve built. ...read more read less