04/07/2026
Hey realtor friends! Be sure and read below, especially if you have a vacant listing!
๐ Vacant Properties Are Being WatchedโHereโs Why It Matters:
๐จ Real Estate Alert: Vacant Homes = Hidden Risk ๐จ
You list a propertyโฆ it sits emptyโฆ and everything seems normal.
But someone else could be watchingโand targeting that vacant home for fraud.
Criminals are now using empty properties as โdrop addressesโ to intercept mail and steal sensitive information like credit offers, financial statements, and tax documents.
๐ How it happens:
โข They search listings for vacant homes
โข Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery at that address
โข Monitor incoming mail digitally
โข Submit a change-of-address to reroute mail
No hacking. No phishing. Just an empty house and an unprotected mailbox.
โ ๏ธ Why it matters:
Vacant properties can become easy targets for identity theft, fraud, and account takeoversโputting homeowners and clients at risk.
โ
Protect yourself & your clients:
โข Secure or lock mailboxes on vacant properties
โข Set up USPS Informed Delivery FIRST
โข Watch for unexpected change-of-address notices
โข Educate sellers, landlords, and property owners
โข Consider placing a hold on mail delivery
โข Freeze credit to prevent fraudulent accounts
๐ก Sometimes the biggest threats arenโt digitalโtheyโre right at the curb.
Stay alert. Stay protected.
