What Should I Do If My Agent Gets a Listing Request from Me That I Did Not Send?

Imagine your real estate agent calls you excitedly, saying they received a listing request from you — but you never sent one. How is that possible? Unfortunately, in today’s real estate market, this scenario is becoming more common due to an increase in deed fraud and impersonation scams, especially here in the Capital Region.

As an 11-year transaction coordinator with experience across Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, I’ve seen firsthand how these scams exploit the sale of mortgage-free homes and use public records plus remote communication to impersonate property owners. This post will explain what to do if your agent receives a listing request from you that you didn’t send, the key agent verification steps, tools like county clerk property alert services, and how to report suspected fraud effectively.
Understanding the Problem: Deed Fraud & Impersonation in the Capital Region What Is Deed Fraud?
Ever notice how deed fraud occurs when a scammer falsifies documents or impersonates property owners to sell or refinance a property without the owner’s consent. While once mostly targeting vacant homes, this fraud is now showing up during normal home sales, including occupied houses in popular areas like Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties.
Why Are Mortgage-Free Homes Prime Targets?
Mortgage-free homes—homes owned free and clear—are especially vulnerable. Since there’s no lender involved, there’s less scrutiny compared to properties with active mortgages. Fraudsters exploit this by submitting unauthorized listing requests or deeds because they know a lender isn’t actively monitoring the property.
Local Impact: Evidence of Fraud in Nearby Counties
Court activity in counties across the Capital Region confirms an uptick in deed-related fraud cases. These cases Troy NY real estate https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/selling-a-home-in-the-capital-region-here-s-the-deed-fraud-trap-owners-don-t-see-coming/ar-AA26GVTz often involve forged signatures and fake notarizations. Some are caught in time because agents notice odd listing requests; others unfortunately don’t surface until years later.
How Do Scammers Start? The Role of Public Records and Remote Communication
Scammers typically start by mining public property records available online or via county clerk offices. They find owner names and addresses, then intercept mail or use fake IDs to impersonate the owner.

Remote communication methods, like email and FaceTime, help scammers make fraudulent transactions appear legitimate without having to show up physically at the property.
What To Do If Your Agent Receives a Listing Request from You That You Didn’t Send
This can be alarming, but here’s a step-by-step guide designed to protect you, your home, and your peace of mind.
Confirm Agent Verification Steps: When you hear about the listing request, ask your agent to provide the exact communication they received (email, text, phone call). Review whether they verified your identity by voice recognition, security questions, or requested an in-person or FaceTime walkthrough. If the agent didn’t verify, this is a red flag. Notify Your Agent Immediately: Let your agent know you did not request the listing. Ask them to halt any further actions on the listing request until the situation is clarified. Request a Walkthrough Verification: I always ask agents, “Who will be physically at the property for the walkthrough?” In cases of suspected impersonation, insist on a FaceTime walkthrough with you present or in real-time, so the agent can verify the seller’s identity before any paperwork is signed. Check Property Records for Recent Changes: Use the county clerk property alert services to sign up for email notifications about any filings or document changes regarding your property. In Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, these services provide timely alerts if someone tries to file deeds or other documents under your name. Report Suspected Fraud: Contact your local sheriff’s office or the county clerk’s office to report suspicious activity. Document all communications and save emails or texts as evidence. Consult an Attorney: If there is fraudulent activity, a real estate attorney can help you take legal action, including filing caveats or lis pendens notices on the property to prevent fraudulent sales. Notify Your Title Insurance Company: Protect your investment by alerting your title insurer about the attempt. Title insurers often have fraud teams that can help monitor and intervene. Tools and Services That Can Help Protect You Tool/Service Description How It Helps County Clerk Property Alert Service Email notifications for any new filings or documents related to a property Alerts you immediately if a deed, mortgage, or other document is filed in your name FaceTime or Video Walkthrough Real-time video communication between agent and seller during property inspection Confirms seller’s identity and presence before signing documents In-Person Walkthrough Verification Agent physically meets owner at property to verify identity Ensures the person authorizing the sale is legitimate Local Law Enforcement Police or sheriff’s office for reporting suspected deed fraud or impersonation Starts official investigations and builds a formal case How Agents Can Protect Themselves & Clients in the Capital Region
Agents play a crucial role in catching impersonation scams early. Here are practical verification steps agents should always follow:
Confirm receipt of listing requests by calling the owner directly at a known phone number, not just replying to emails or texts. Insist on a video walkthrough via FaceTime or similar apps for all new listings, especially for mortgage-free homes or properties without prior transaction history. Cross-check public records using county clerk property alert services before submitting listings. Document all client communication meticulously and save screenshots of suspicious emails or texts in a notebook—a practice I teach new agents using examples from my “weird closing emails” folder. Educate sellers on how deed fraud schemes work, avoiding vague warnings like “be careful” and instead giving actionable advice. Why You Should Report Suspected Fraud Promptly
Time is critical.

Once a fraudulent document is recorded, unscrambling the mess becomes complicated and costly. Reporting suspected fraud quickly to county officials, law enforcement, and your agent helps: ...where was I going with this?
Freeze unauthorized transactions. Alert the title company to place protective holds. Prevent the scammer from proceeding with a sale or refinancing. Begin an official investigation that could hold the fraudster accountable. Final Thoughts
If your agent gets a listing request from you that you did not send, take it very seriously. Deed fraud and impersonation scams are escalating even here in the Capital Region, affecting not just vacant properties but everyday homes. Protecting yourself means:
Ensuring your agent performs thorough verification steps, including video walkthroughs and phone confirmations. Signing up for county clerk property alert services to stay informed of any filings on your property. Reporting suspected fraud to the proper authorities immediately. Working closely with trusted real estate professionals who prioritize transparency and communication.
Stay vigilant, keep communication clear, and don’t hesitate to ask your agent, “Who will be physically at the property for a walkthrough?”—this simple question could save your ownership rights and your home.