Real estate seller impersonation fraud is becoming a common scam.

Hartford's RE/MAX Insight Broker - Owner Mary Sloane explained for WTKM.

"One of the most common things that's happening now, not just in this area but all over, is when there is vacant land. Out in the country and you are not living there. Someone will impersonate, they will call a real estate agent wanting to sell the land. In this case, they live out of the area and it's not truly the seller that's trying to sell it. If the agent doesn't meet the seller face-to-face, they really need to proceed with caution."                  

Getting to know your neighbors is a good way to take precaution. Mary has other ways to protect yourself.

"Check it out on social media to be safe. Google the phone number to be sure. Just be sure it's legitimate to protect yourself before you sign anything or submit any kind of payment."                                 

The most common scenario seems to be the case of a piece of vacant land for sale, sometimes out in the country and the owner does not live in the area.