Ask any Realtor in the Rockies, and they’ll have a wild tale of attempted fraud. We all know the golden rule: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. That usually works for shady buyers, but fraudulent sellers—people pretending your land is theirs—are trickier. And vacant land? That’s their playground.

Owners live far away, neighbors might not know who owns what, and before you know it, someone thinks they can sell your property while you’re sipping coffee back home. Not on our watch.

What Is Title Theft?

Title theft happens when someone messes with your property ownership. Usually:

• Deed Fraud:A scammer fakes documents and sells your land.
• Mortgage Fraud:They use your property as collateral for a loan they don’t intend to repay.

Vacant land is low-hanging fruit: no house, no residents, no daily oversight.

How Land Fraud Works

Here’s the scam in a nutshell:

1. Scammers dig public records for absentee owners.
2. They steal photos and create fake listings.
3. They list the property themselves or rope in an unsuspecting agent.
4. Fake signatures and notary stamps get recorded.
5. Money is wired to the scammer, who disappears faster than a mule at feeding time.

What Happens If It Hits You

• Thousands in legal fees.
• Months of paperwork to reclaim your land.
• Selling, building, or borrowing? Forget it until the mess is cleared.

The longer it goes undetected, the worse it gets.

How to Keep Your Land Safe

• Sign up for property fraud alerts:Counties often notify you when documents are recorded.
• Mark your territory:Signs, fences, or gates show you’re paying attention.
• Know your neighbors:They’re your early-warning system.
• Open your mail:Verification letters and fraud alerts matter.
• Skip title lock services for land:Most only cover homes and don’t prevent fraud.

If You Suspect Fraud

Act fast: contact your county clerk, file a sheriff’s report, freeze your credit if needed, and consult a real estate attorney. Some counties now offer expedited processes to clear titles faster.

Bottom Line

Vacant land is easy prey for scammers—but a little vigilance goes a long way. Keep your property visible, stay in touch with neighbors, and use alerts. That 40-acre slice of Rocky Mountain heaven? Yours. Not theirs.