Land Scams

Land scams have been around for years, but they have recently surged along the Waiʻanae Coast. Scammers, posing as property owners, attempt to sell land they do not own—often targeting vacant lots where there is no one present to intervene. 



These fraudsters communicate exclusively online, using fake identification and fraudulent notary services to complete transactions. By listing properties well below market value, they entice eager buyers into rushing the deal. Some of these fraudulent sales have even made it to closing, with scammers walking away with hundreds of thousands of dollars before anyone realizes the deception. They typically seek out vacant properties with no mortgage, making the sale process easier and less likely to raise red flags. Because they are always located outside Hawaiʻi, they refuse to meet in person or via video, making verification more difficult.

In some cases, the real owner discovers the scam before it’s too late. They might drive by and notice a "For Sale" sign on their land, receive an unexpected notice in the mail or hear from a neighbor asking about the listing. Some only realize something is wrong after the sale and the property taxes have been paid by someone else or, in extreme cases, when construction begins.

The FBI reports that these scams are on the rise across the country, and real estate professionals are becoming more vigilant. However, scammers often bypass agents and target buyers directly. Verifying ownership is crucial, but it is not always easy since scammers use highly convincing fake documents. Asking questions only the real owner would know can help uncover fraud before it’s too late. While these criminals are becoming more sophisticated, taking extra precautions can prevent devastating financial loss.