09/02/2025
It is important to know who you are working with in a real estate transaction! Please watch out for these kind of "Ghost Companies".
A concerning new fraud trend involving so-called “Ghost” title agencies is gaining traction. Industry
leaders such as FLTA (Florida Land Title Association) and ALTA (American Land Title Association) are
actively working to raise awareness, provide education, and promote fraud prevention.
Fraudsters are setting up fake title companies by registering with Sunbiz.org, creating professional-
looking websites, and opening bank accounts—posing as legitimate businesses. Once established, they
target real estate professionals by offering to facilitate transactions with unsuspecting buyers or sellers,
using their fake title company to commit fraud. Please provide this bulletin to other real estate
professionals such as realtors so they are aware of this growing issue.
FLTA provided the following guidelines in their article:
• Check for Suspicious Business Registrations: Visit Sunbiz.org or
Search Records - Division of Corporations - Florida Department of State
o Using the various search features, check for any duplicates or close to duplicate
companies that resemble or are close to your company's name (Name, Officer/Registered Agent, etc.)
o Especially check for duplicate FEI/EIN registrations
• Use DNS Twister to Detect Impersonation Websites
o Check dnstwister.report
o This tool scans for web domains similar to yours, helping you identify look-alike websites
that could be pretending to be your company.
• Report Suspicious Activity:
o Alert your local authorities and follow their guidance, if action is necessary.
o Inform FLTA, because they are looking to bring this forward to the Florida Department
of State and are needing examples. Please email [email protected].
