Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. – Thomas Jefferson

Unfortunately, there are no shortage of scams.  My mentor always taught me to cover my downside, that means "protect yourself".   Not surprisingly, real estate scams are out there and there are many scams targeting individuals looking to purchase land. These scams can take many forms, including fake listings, fraudulent sellers, and fake title deeds. It's important for buyers to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect themselves. One common warning sign of a land purchase scam is if the seller asks for payment upfront before providing any documentation or allowing the buyer to inspect the property. Additionally, buyers should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as these can often be a sign of a scam. To avoid falling victim to a land purchase scam, buyers should always do their due diligence, research the seller and the property thoroughly, and only work with reputable brokers or agents. It's also a good idea to have an attorney review all contracts and documentation before signing anything and making any payments.  Other real estate professionals can also help you cover the downside (like a title company).  However, there is a cost to hiring these professionals, so always evaluate  and balance the investment vs (the cost of) the protections. In summary, while there are certainly risks involved in purchasing land, taking the necessary precautions and being aware of warning signs can help buyers avoid falling victim to a scam.