How to Report Real Estate Fraud: FBI, State AG, and What Actually Works

Speed Is the Most Important Variable

Report promptly. Funds may move and disputed documents may be used in further transactions. Recovery is not guaranteed, and reporting still matters after time has passed.

Step 1: Your Bank (Wire Fraud Only)

If you've wired money to a fraudulent account, call your bank's fraud hotline immediately. Request a wire recall or reversal. Ask them to put a hold on the transfer while they investigate. Get the name and direct number of the fraud specialist handling your case.

Important: don't email. Don't use the app. Call the direct fraud hotline — found on the back of your debit card or your bank's official website (not from any email you received).

Step 2: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Report internet-enabled fraud at ic3.gov. Do not wait to contact your bank. An IC3 report does not guarantee investigation or recovery. Include:

• The fraudulent email addresses used
• The routing and account numbers you wired to
• The exact wire amount and date/time
• All communications you received (screenshots if possible)
• The name and contact information for your real bank/title company

For deed fraud, IC3 is also the correct federal reporting point. Reference "deed fraud" or "real estate title fraud" in your complaint.

Step 3: Local Law Enforcement

Report to local police or the sheriff and retain the report number. Use the agency's non-emergency reporting channel unless there is an immediate emergency or danger, in which case call 911.

Step 4: State Attorney General's Office

Report suspected consumer fraud through your state attorney general's official website. Reporting is not a promise of a particular investigation time or private legal representation.

Step 5: Your County Recorder's Office (Deed Fraud)

Request copies of the disputed documents and ask the recorder about local reporting and correction procedures. Do not assume the office can place a hold, reject future filings, or remove a document without a court order. Recording alerts are notifications, not legal locks.

Step 6: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

If your mortgage lender, escrow company, or any financial institution was involved or failed to prevent fraud, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB has jurisdiction over mortgage servicers and settlement service providers.

Step 7: Real Estate Attorney for Civil Recovery

Ask a local real estate attorney about civil remedies, deadlines, emergency relief, and fees. Legal aid may be available. A criminal report does not itself clear title; the appropriate remedy depends on state law and the facts.