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ALTA Study Finds Seller Impersonation Fraud Attempts More Than Double

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New research shows broader targets, more sophisticated tactics and growing need for layered title-industry defenses

Washington, D.C., September 14, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, today released new research showing seller impersonation fraud has become more widespread and frequent, while criminals are broadening their targets and using increasingly sophisticated tactics to carry out these schemes.

ALTA’s 2026 Seller Impersonation Fraud study found that 59% of firms reported at least one seller impersonation fraud attempt in the prior calendar year, more than double the 28% reported in ALTA’s 2024 survey. The share reporting at least one attempt in the month prior to the survey also rose sharply, from 19% to 45%, while the share reporting three or more attempts increased from 4% to 23%.

Seller impersonation fraud occurs when a criminal impersonates a property owner to illegally sell commercial or residential property. The study surveyed 245 title insurance professionals across 40 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“The study highlights the critical role title professionals play in protecting property rights and preserving confidence in real estate transactions,” said ALTA Chief Strategy, Communications & Innovation Officer Elizabeth Blosser. “In an environment where criminals are becoming more sophisticated, vigilance, expertise and layered defenses remain among the industry’s most effective tools. Every day, title companies combine technology, industry expertise and rigorous verification processes to identify suspicious activity and stop fraud before consumers are harmed.”

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The findings confirm what title professionals have known for years: seller impersonation fraud is becoming more common, more sophisticated and more difficult to detect. “Criminals are investing time and resources to exploit weaknesses in real estate transactions, which means our industry must remain equally committed to strengthening safeguards that protect property owners and consumers,” said Blosser.

The research shows criminals are expanding both their targets and tactics. Vacant land remains the top target, but vacation homes, rental properties, agricultural land and primary residences all increased as targets compared with the 2024 survey.

Technology is also changing the fraud playbook. 87% of respondents rated spoofed contact information as at least somewhat common, while 58% said the same of deepfake image or voice technology.

When schemes succeed, the financial consequences can be substantial. One in four firms reporting an attempt also reported a paid claim related to seller impersonation fraud. Among firms reporting a claim and disclosing average costs, half reported costs above $100,000.

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Title professionals also are strengthening their defenses. 94% of firms reported using multiple tools they consider helpful for detecting seller impersonation fraud, averaging 5.3 fraud-detection tools per firm. These include identity verification, direct seller contact, multifactor authentication and approved notaries.

The findings underscore the increasingly important role title professionals play as a frontline defense for consumers and property owners. As criminals adapt, title companies are layering identity verification, authentication and professional expertise to identify suspicious activity and stop fraudulent transactions before consumers are harmed.

The full ALTA Critical Issues Study: Seller Impersonation Fraud is available here.

About ALTA

The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.

ALTA, Maryland Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Attorney General Anthony G. Brown for Action Protecting Homeowners from Unfair MV Realty Contracts

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Washington, D.C., June 11, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the Maryland Land Title Association (MLTA) and AARP today commended Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Consumer Protection Division for taking action against MV Realty and seeking to terminate allegedly unlawful Homeowner Benefit Agreements and related liens that burdened Maryland homeowners.

According to the charges, MV Realty engaged in illegal consumer lending when it entered into Homeowner Benefit Agreements (HBAs) with Maryland consumers, advancing them a small sum that they would have to repay with exorbitant interest. The Attorney General’s action seeks to halt the alleged unlawful conduct, terminate the agreements and related liens, and obtain restitution for consumers.

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“Attorney General Brown’s action sends a clear message: homeowners should never be trapped in deceptive agreements that cloud title and threaten their most valuable asset,” said Caroline Cone, director of state government affairs, ALTA. “Protecting clear title and preserving the ability to sell, refinance or pass on a home are fundamental to consumer confidence and property rights.”

Maryland’s charges allege that MV Realty trapped Maryland homeowners and their heirs in costly long-term agreements and failed to clearly disclose key terms, including the 40-year duration and the impact the recorded agreements could have on future transfers of the home.

“AARP applauds Maryland Attorney General Brown for taking decisive action to protect homeowners from predatory agreements that trap homeowners and limit their ability to sell or pass on their homes to the next generation. The charges levied against MV Realty make it clear that Maryland will not tolerate schemes that exploit home equity or strip away future choices,” said Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities, government affairs, AARP. “We remain committed to working with leaders and advocates nationwide to stop these practices and to protecting older homeowners from unknowingly risking long-term security for a short-term payment.”

ALTA, MLTA and AARP have worked alongside policymakers and consumer advocates nationwide to raise awareness about these types of agreements, often referred to as non-title recorded agreements for personal services (NTRAPS), and to advance solutions that better protect homeowners from hidden risks. In 2023, the Maryland state legislature passed a law that made NTRAPs unenforceable by law.

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“These agreements can create serious uncertainty in the land records and unnecessary obstacles for homeowners and real estate transactions,” said Eric Oberer Esq. CLTP, president of the Maryland Land Title Association. “We appreciate Attorney General Brown’s leadership in taking action to protect Maryland homeowners and uphold transparency in the marketplace.”

“For many older Marylanders, a home represents both financial security and a legacy to pass on to loved ones,” said Kathy Lewis, AARP Maryland interim state director. “AARP Maryland is proud to support this action and stand with Attorney General Brown to ensure homeowners are not burdened by predatory long-term agreements that can threaten their ability to sell, refinance or transfer their homes.”

ALTA, MLTA and AARP will continue working with state leaders, industry partners and consumer advocates to advance protections against predatory real estate contracts and safeguard homeowners’ property rights.

ALTA Reports Q1 2026 Title Premium Volume and Market Share Data

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Washington, D.C., June 15, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, today announced that the title insurance industry generated $4.5 billion in title insurance premiums during the first quarter of 2026, according to ALTA’s latest Market Share Analysis. This is up from $3.9 billion during the same period a year ago.

“Every real estate transaction represents a significant financial investment, and title professionals are working behind the scenes to ensure those transactions can close safely and securely,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The industry’s first-quarter results reflect the continued demand for the critical work title companies perform to identify hidden risks, prevent losses and protect property rights. Even as fraud threats and transaction complexity continue to increase, title professionals remain focused on delivering the certainty and peace of mind consumers, investors and lenders deserve.”

The title insurance industry paid nearly $151 million in claims during the first three months of 2026. This is down from about $161 million in claims paid during the same period a year ago.

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Top 10 Individual Underwriters by Q1 2026 Market Share

  • First American Title Insurance Co., 24.2%
  • Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., 13.9%
  • Old Republic National Title Insurance Co., 13.7%
  • Chicago Title Insurance Co., 12.6%
  • Stewart Title Guaranty Co., 11.3%
  • Westcor Land Title Insurance Co., 4.7%
  • Title Resources Guaranty Co., 3.3%
  • Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co., 3.2%
  • WFG National Title Insurance Co., 2.8%
  • First American Title Guaranty Co., 1.4%

Top 5 States During Q1 2026

  • Texas: $627,534,080, +8.0%
  • Florida: $493,439,963, +10.1%
  • California: $370,921,386, +15.3%
  • New York: $322,796,201, +18.7%
  • Pennsylvania: $203,496,810, +46.4%

Click here for more market share data.

ALTA expects to release its second-quarter Market Share Analysis around September 1.

ALTA Applauds Historic Bicameral Agreement on Landmark Housing Legislation

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Washington, D.C., June 16, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, issued the following statement after congressional leaders in the House and Senate reached an agreement on a bicameral, bipartisan housing package.

ALTA applauds congressional leaders in the House and Senate for reaching this historic agreement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The updated legislation reflects years of bipartisan, bicameral work and is a meaningful step toward addressing the nation’s housing supply and affordability challenges.

“ALTA congratulates Chairman Tim Scott, Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for working together to reach this landmark agreement,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step forward for homebuyers everywhere and we urge Congress to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk.”

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“ALTA appreciates the leadership of Congress and the Trump administration in tackling housing affordability,” Morton said. “the title insurance industry looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance commonsense housing solutions that promote and protect the American dream of homeownership.”