Updates from Sally Shiekman

In my 33 years as a full-time Realtor here in Aspen, Snowmass, and the Roaring Fork Valley, I’ve seen the real estate industry change in countless ways. But one trend I wish I could say I haven’t seen is the rise of scams—particularly those targeting vacant land.

While this hasn’t happened to me personally, I’ve certainly received inquiries over the years—especially about vacant parcels—that didn’t feel right. In those cases, my radar went up immediately, and I dug deeper before moving forward. Sadly, not every agent or seller is as lucky. Across the country, including right here in Colorado, there have been successful attempts to sell someone’s property without their knowledge.

How the Scam Works
It’s surprisingly simple. A scammer identifies a vacant lot—often one that’s owned outright, with no mortgage. They research the real owner, create a fake email address using that person’s name, and contact a Realtor to list the property. Because there’s no house to access, no utilities to transfer, and often no neighbors keeping tabs, these sales can fly under the radar.

The scammer pushes to get the property listed quickly, often claiming they’ve moved out of state. If no one double-checks their identity, the property can go under contract before the real owner even knows.

Why Vacant Land Is a Target

• No occupancy – Nobody living there to notice strangers or suspicious activity.
• Minimal oversight – No utility accounts or home maintenance records that might raise red flags.
• High value, low complexity – Even a modest lot here can be worth six or seven figures, making it a tempting payday.

Red Flags for Agents and Owners
Whether you’re an agent representing a seller or an owner considering a sale, watch out for:

• Unverified contact information – Phone numbers that don’t match public records or are unlisted.
• Urgency to list – Scammers often push for quick action to avoid detection.
• Remote-only communication – Refusal to meet in person or provide verifiable ID.
• Story inconsistencies – Details about ownership, prior listings, or the property’s history that don’t line up.

How I Protect My Clients
If you’re listing vacant land with me, I’ll insist on:

• Multiple forms of verification – At least three ways to confirm you are who you say you are, including government-issued ID.
• Cross-checking public records – Ownership, mailing address, and property tax records must match your information.
• Document trail – Every signature and agreement must be verified through secure channels.

For Property Owners:

• Monitor your property – Even if you’re not planning to sell, check periodically to ensure it’s not listed without your knowledge.
• Update your contact info – Make sure your mailing address on file with the county is accurate.
• Consider alerts – Some counties allow you to sign up for title or deed change notifications.

Fraud like this thrives when people are in a hurry or assume “it can’t happen to me.” Unfortunately, it can—and the stakes in our market are high. Whether you’re an agent or a property owner, a little extra verification can save a lot of heartache.

If you’re thinking about selling land—or if you’ve gotten an inquiry that feels off—call me before you respond. I’ll help you verify it’s legitimate before you take the next step.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.