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hoto: Inhabit Park City. PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Board of Realtors reports a sharp rise in real‑estate scams this year, targeting vacant lots owned by out‑of‑state seniors over 65. Since early May, MLS director Bob Bemis has logged more than twenty‑two incidents, none of which have closed a sale. He recalled a near miss in Heber where a title company flagged the fraud before any funds were transferred.
Bemis credits local agents for spotting suspicious activity early and verifying sellers’ identities. “Our agents are on the front line and often the first to suspect someone isn’t who they say they are,” he said. “Our information campaign has raised awareness of the need to confirm ownership.” Realtor Dawn Chapman says she now assumes fraud whenever she receives a call about listing a lot. Red flags include a price far below market value, an urgent sale, and a push for a quick transaction. When agents suspect a scam, they alert Bemis and the board, check the owner’s contact, and verify the listing’s legitimacy. “All of them say, ‘No, we’re not selling this property,’” he says. Realtors have built a reporting network to share alerts and stay ahead of new tactics.
Sergeant Skyler Talbot of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office notes that scammers often use complex schemes that make investigations difficult. “Even when we identify leads, jurisdictional issues can create hurdles, especially when suspects are outside our state or country,” he says. Cases vary, but if investigators can establish that all elements of a crime were attempted and that the actor intended to complete the conduct, they can still pursue charges. Incidents with no money exchanged are harder to prosecute than those involving a transfer of funds.
Bemis believes Park City is targeted because of its high median home prices and the large percentage of absentee owners, which can facilitate scam attempts. Nevertheless, the close community of agents and vigilant neighbors often keep scammers at bay. Residents have spotted “For Sale” signs on lots and conducted their own investigations to uncover scams. The Sheriff’s Office stresses that education and awareness remain the best defense. “We encourage residents to stay informed, exercise caution, and always report any suspected scam activity to the Sheriff’s Office,” Talbot says.
