If you’re helping a client buy or sell property, be aware of these cybercrimes, say experts

Buying or selling a home should be a big moment, not a big risk. But, as real estate transactions shift deeper into the digital space, criminals are getting smarter, faster, and, unfortunately, harder to spot. Now, with emails, banking details, and sensitive documents all traded online, cybercrime is becoming one of the biggest threats to the property industry.

From deepfakes to email spoofing, fraudsters are targeting both property practitioners and clients at increasingly vulnerable points in the process. And while property scams aren’t new, the way they’re being executed is evolving, thanks in large part to advancements in artificial intelligence.

So, here's what you need to know about the rise in real estate cybercrime, and what you can do to stay one step ahead.

The rise of cybercrime in real estate transactions

Let’s start with the obvious: real estate deals are high-value. Large sums of money change hands, often under tight deadlines, and across multiple service providers such as practitioners, conveyancers, banks, bond originators and attorneys. That makes the industry a prime target.

In South Africa, property scams have become more sophisticated, especially since the pandemic pushed so much of the buying and selling process online. Fraudsters have caught on to the fact that trust is a major factor in these transactions, and they’re exploiting it.

One of the most common tactics is email interception, where criminals monitor email threads between buyers, sellers, and their service providers. When the timing is right, they impersonate a conveyancer or practitioner and send a seemingly legitimate message with new bank details. The buyer, none the wiser, transfers funds, often hundreds of thousands of rands, into the wrong account.

The result? Financial loss, emotional distress, and a seriously derailed deal.

How AI and deepfakes are powering a new kind of scam

Criminals aren’t just hacking emails anymore; they’re getting creative. Thanks to tools like generative AI and deepfake software, scammers can now clone voices, create fake video calls, and generate highly convincing documents.

This new wave of AI in real estate fraud means that even cautious clients can be duped. Picture this: a buyer receives a video call from someone they believe is their practitioner, reminding them of a payment deadline. The voice and face match. But it’s not real, it’s a deepfake.

As terrifying as it sounds, this is no longer science fiction. The barrier to entry for AI-generated fraud is low, and real estate deals offer the perfect storm of urgency, trust, and big numbers.

Here are red flags you should look out for

While cybercriminals are getting smarter, they still leave behind clues if you know what to look for. Here are a few signs of cyber fraud in real estate that should raise alarm bells:

• Sudden changes to banking details over email, especially if the message feels slightly off or rushed
• Emails that look legit but come from a slightly different domain (e.g., @conveyancer.co.za vs @conveyancersa.co.za)
• A sense of urgency that pressures buyers or sellers to act fast without verifying information
• Inconsistencies in tone, grammar, or formatting from someone you’ve previously been emailing
• Requests for sensitive information over unsecured channels like WhatsApp

If something feels off, pause and verify. A quick phone call could save you hundreds of thousands of rands.

Simple steps property practitioners can take

So, how can practitioners stop cybercrime, or at least make life harder for scammers? While you can’t eliminate risk entirely, there are cybersecurity best practices that can make a big difference.

• Set the tone early: Educate your clients from the very first meeting about the risks and red flags of real estate cybercrime
• Create a cybersecurity checklist: Outline safe communication practices and make it standard to confirm any banking detail changes in person or over the phone when conducting property sales
• Use secure platforms for document sharing: Don’t rely on unsecured emails or third-party apps with poor encryption
• Double down on password security: That means strong, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular updates

Cybersecurity starts with you

As real estate becomes more digitised, staying cyber-safe is no longer optional; it’s part of the job. Whether you’re guiding a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, your role includes protecting them from more than just dodgy neighbours. You're also their first line of defence against online threats.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

At Prop Data, we help property professionals future-proof their businesses with secure digital tools, smart automation, and real-time insights. From trusted lead generation to client communication platforms designed with cybersecurity in mind, Prop Data is here to help you work safer and smarter. Contact Prop Data today and take the first step toward a more secure property business.