Published November 3, 2025

Fort Bragg Real Estate Scams: How to avoid wire fraud and rental scams in Fayetteville NC

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Written by Rana Weverstad

Realtor in Fayetteville NC helping clients verify safe wire instructions during a Fort Bragg home purchase.

Don’t get Scammed: Wire Fraud & Rental Scams near Fort Bragg, NC

Real Estate Is exciting — But be careful!

When you’re buying a home near Fort Bragg or Fayetteville, there’s a lot happening at once — you’ll communicate with your Realtor, Lender, Inspector, and Closing Attorney via email, text and phone calls. Or even if you are renting, you’ll also see tons of listings online, especially on Facebook and other platforms.

But here’s the problem: scammers know this too. And they’re getting smarter every day.


Wire Fraud in home purchases

Wire fraud happens when someone tricks you into sending money to the wrong account. You might get an email or text that looks like it’s from your agent or closing attorney, with “updated” wire instructions.

Once you send the money, it’s almost impossible to get back.

How to protect yourself:

  • Never send money based on email instructions alone.

  • Do not contact the phone number listed in an email or online post.
    Always verify wire instructions by calling your closing attorney or realtor directly using a trusted number—not one found in an email or Facebook ad.

  • If something feels off, stop and confirm before you send anything.


Rental Scams in the Fort Bragg Area

The Fayetteville and Fort Bragg rental market is busy — which makes it a favorite target for scammers. Fake rental listings often pop up on Facebook, Craigslist, or even “for rent” sites.

They’ll use real photos from MLS listings and post them with a fake name, email, or phone number. Then they’ll say:

“Send a deposit to hold the property.”

Once you pay — they disappear.

Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Never send money before seeing a home in person.

  • Never call the number or email listed on a Facebook post — it might be fake.

  • Always contact a local, licensed realtor instead. Realtors have access to verified rentals in Fort Bragg and Fayetteville and can confirm who truly manages the property.

If a listing seems too good to be true, it probably is.


We’re Here to Protect You

Whether you’re buying a home, renting near Fort Bragg, or investing in a property, The Signature Group Realty Team at Keller Williams Fayetteville NC is here to help you do it safely.

We’ll guide you through every step, make sure your transaction is secure, and connect you only with verified professionals.


The Signature Group Realty Team at Keller Williams Fayetteville NC
Your trusted real estate experts serving Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, and surrounding communities.

📞 Contact us anytime if you’re unsure about a listing. We’re happy to help you verify who manages a property or confirm whether a rental post is legitimate—so you can stay safe and avoid scams.
And if you’re thinking about buying a home, The Signature Group Realty Team at Keller Williams Fayetteville NC is here to guide you through the entire home-buying process with confidence and care. 

📍 Serving Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Raeford, Hope Mills, and surrounding areas
📧 Need advice about PCS timing or VA benefits? We are here to help 👉 Click here

The Signature Group Realty Team — Fort Bragg NC & Fayetteville NC real estate experts for VA, PCS, and first-time home buyers. 

 

Categories

Fayetteville NC Homes, Fort Bragg Real Estate, Home Buying Tips, Home Ownership Education, Moving to Fayetteville, Real Estate Safety, Rental Scams, Wire Fraud Awareness
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