Scam Types
Real Estate Scams
Scam type — FTC & BBB data
Understanding the most common scam types helps you stay safe. Here are the figures and tips for this category.
Last updated: March 2026
FTC Consumer Sentinel (national)
- Reports: 52,000
- Total loss: $198M
- Median loss: $800
How to avoid & report
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
- Verify contact details independently (official website, phone number).
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org/file-a-complaint.
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