$7M Lost Annually in Florida due to Real Estate Scams: Can Miami Residents Protect Themselves?

When Gregory Bianco and his spouse were law students in 2011, they believed they had finally found an apartment they could afford. A woman posing as a realtor pressured them relentlessly, calling every few hours until the couple sent her $4,200 to secure the listing. They never saw the apartment, never moved in, and never recovered their money.

“Once we sent the money, we called her repeatedly,” said Bianco, now a Miami-based real estate attorney. “By the third day, we were like, ‘this is a problem.’”

Bianco’s experience is not isolated. Florida loses $7.2 million annually to real estate scams, with fraudulent activity typically increasing during the holiday season as scammers exploit consumers’ sense of urgency, according to a recent study by real estate company PPS House Buyers. Miami — one of the nation’s most competitive and expensive housing markets — is particularly susceptible.

How Real Estate Scams Operate in Miami

Jennifer Javier Torres, an eight-year Miami real estate professional, said many scams begin with fake listings copied from legitimate agents. 

Scammers frequently steal photos, repost them elsewhere, and advertise the property at a reduced price to attract immediate attention. When a renter or buyer responds, the scammer positions themself as the agent, collects upfront fees, such as deposits or application charges, and promptly disappears.

The scammers finish the contract, take the commission that should go to the legitimate realtor, and vanish, Javier Torres explained. 

Renters and buyers often feel compelled to act quickly, especially when they believe they have found a rare, affordable opportunity in an otherwise unforgiving market.

How to Recognize a Fake Realtor

Both Javier Torres and Bianco emphasize that Miami residents must remain vigilant. Consumers should begin by verifying the realtor’s license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. 

The agent’s name, license number, and status should match exactly what the individual has provided. It's equally important to review the listing across reputable real estate platforms — including Realtor.com, Zillow, Miami Realtors, and official brokerage websites. Inconsistencies in photographs, pricing, or contact information frequently signal fraudulent activity.

Residents should also contact the brokerage directly to confirm that the agent is genuinely associated with the firm and is authorized to represent the listing.

Meeting the agent in person or through a video call provides an additional layer of protection, as it allows prospective clients to ensure the individual matches the images and professional information displayed on official websites. 

A legitimate real estate professional will also use formal business email accounts rather than informal or suspicious personal addresses.

Careful review of all documents is essential, Javier Torres said.

Contracts should provide accurate information regarding the agent and the brokerage. Requests for highly sensitive personal information — such as Social Security numbers or scans of identification cards — before a consumer has even visited the property are strong indicators of a potential scam, she added. 

Why Affordable Housing Seekers Are Targeted

Those searching for lower-cost rentals are among the most frequent victims of real estate scams. 

Bianco noted that he and his spouse were rushed by the belief that they had found an unusually affordable opportunity. 

“What we didn’t know was that the listing had been up for a while under the real realtor’s name,” he said. “They lowered the price. That’s why we got excited and jumped on it.” 

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

If Miami residents suspect that they are being targeted, Bianco recommends acting immediately and documenting every interaction. 

Written communication, such as an email to the suspected scammer outlining concerns and the reasons for them, can serve as important evidence for law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

After creating this paper trail, consumers should report the situation to the appropriate authorities, which may include local police, the Better Business Bureau, the Florida Real Estate Commission, the Miami-Dade Consumer Protection Division, and others.

Alerting others can also prevent future incidents. Bianco himself reported the scammer who targeted him, ultimately contributing to the cancellation of her real estate license.

He said that he works with realtors and that they are essential, particularly for those with low incomes who are seeking for a place to live. However, some are dishonest, Bianco said.

Staying Safe in Miami’s Housing Market

As demand for affordable housing continues to intensify across Miami, scammers increasingly target individuals who are overwhelmed by urgency, fear of losing a listing, or excitement about what appears to be a rare bargain. Taking the time to pause, investigate, and verify every detail is the most effective protection.

“First contact them,” Bianco said, after realizing the realtor is fake. “Make it known via email in writing that you think they’ve done something wrong and what they’ve done wrong.”