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***SCAM ALERT!!! - All licensees be aware of an ongoing scam. A licensee may receive a call from a person impersonating an investigator, board member, or another government agency official. The call may come from a random cell phone number or spoofing the Division of Professional Regulation’s main phone number of (302) 744-4500. See Scam Alert Info for more information.***

If you are unable to reach us by phone, submit your inquiry via email at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov. More Info

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What to know…

The scam caller may:

  • State they are an investigator, member of the Board, or another government agency official.
  • Threaten to revoke or suspend your license.
  • Ask for money to avoid arrest.

The Division of Professional Regulation:

  • Does not have the authority to arrest.
  • Would not suspend or revoke a license without due process.
  • Investigators would not ask for payment. All payments, including fines, must be made online with a credit card through the Division’s DELPROS portal.

If you receive one of these calls or voicemails, hang up and do not attempt to call them back. If you believe you may have been a victim, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-8357). You may also contact the Division to verify if there is an open complaint filed against your license.
Additionally, you may contact the Division’s Investigative Unit to confirm whether a complaint has been filed. Click the link below to view contact information for our Investigative staff:


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Real Estate Identity Theft and Deed Fraud on the Rise

In addition to phone and impersonation scams, The Delaware Real Estate Commission is raising awareness about the growing threat of real estate identity theft and deed fraud in Delaware. These scams—once known as vacant lot fraud or seller impersonation fraud—bad actors impersonate the owners of a property or vacant lot and attempt to sell it for their own profit.

Victims can include property owners, buyers, licensed real estate agents, attorneys, and insurance professionals. Because these schemes are increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to expose, it is critical to understand how they work, recognize warning signs, and take proactive steps to prevent them.

The following information explains how these schemes work, the warning signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your clients.


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How the Scam Works

  • Scammers search public records to identify non-owner-occupied properties such as vacant lots, rentals, vacation homes, or investment properties.
  • They impersonate the property owner, often using forged IDs (sometimes AI-generated photos) and fake email accounts.
  • The scammer lists the property for sale through a real estate agent, quickly accepts offers, and submits falsified documents to the title company or attorney.
  • Proceeds are wired to the scammer, and the fraud often goes undetected until official documents are recorded.
  • In one Delaware case, the true owner only discovered the fraud months later when their mortgage lender sent a “thank you” letter for paying off the loan.

Red Flags to Watch For vs. Precautions You Can Take

Red Flags

According to the American Land Title Association (ALTA), be cautious if a seller:

  • Refuses phone or video calls; communicates only by text or email.
  • Lists the property below market value and insists on a fast cash sale.
  • Declines to attend signings, citing excuses such as being out of town or with a sick relative.
  • Requests to use their own notary.
  • Demands proceeds be wired.
  • Provides an address different from the one on tax/property records.
  • Refuses or fails multifactor identity verification.

Precautions

ALTA recommends the following safeguards for real estate and title professionals:

  • Independently verify the seller’s phone number and contact them directly.
  • Send mail to the address listed on tax/property records.
  • Confirm whether the listing agent has verified the seller’s identity.
  • Use vetted, state-approved notaries; when possible, arrange in-person signings.
  • Require third-party identity verification.
  • Run seller email and phone numbers through verification tools.
  • Ask property-specific questions not easily found in public records.
  • Compare signatures with previously recorded documents.
  • Use wire verification services and confirm account details.
  • Require a voided check with disbursement authorization.
  • Prefer checks over wire transfers for seller proceeds.


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Reporting Fraudulent Activity

If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to:


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Deed Recording & Fraud Alert Reporting Systems in Delaware

Because Delaware is a “Race to Record” state, recorders of deeds are required to check only formatting, forms, and fees—not the authenticity of documents. This makes it possible for forged documents to be recorded. Using AI-technology, swindlers can file forged documents that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate records with one of Delaware’s recorder of deeds (according to Kent County Recorder of Deeds Eugenia Thornton).

Scammers also exploit loopholes in quitclaim deeds, which allow property transfers without an attorney as long as the paperwork is notarized.

To help protect property owners, each county Recorder of Deeds offers free fraud alert systems:

By registering, property owners receive immediate alerts if unauthorized attempts are made to alter or transfer their deeds.

Important: Not all property owners have access to technology. In such cases, contact the local Recorder of Deeds for alternative protections.


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Why This Matters

Encouraging clients to use these fraud alert systems demonstrates your commitment to their financial security. By combining vigilance with modern technology, you can help safeguard property ownership and prevent devastating losses.


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