Mostly I like to talk up technology, point out awesome uses and maybe introduce some new trends. Today that includes some warnings. MinnPost reports…

The threat is showing up much more frequently. New data shows that nearly six in 10 title companies encountered at least one attempt by a criminal pretending to be a property owner in 2025. That’s double the number that reported seeing one just two years earlier.

What makes these schemes especially concerning is how convincing they can look and sound. Criminals are not relying only on obvious, fake emails anymore. More than half of title companies reported that they have encountered deepfake technology, including AI-generated voices and manipulated images that can make an imposter seem real.

Just last week, our systems detected that a consumer’s email account had been compromised and that communications were being intercepted from Russia. We immediately contacted the consumer and confirmed the breach. Quick action helped prevent the consumer from potentially losing several hundred thousand dollars. Most Minnesota families can’t afford to absorb such a loss on their own. It’s up to all of us to play a role, notice warning signs and be a part of the solution.

What concerns me most after four decades in this business is not simply that criminals are trying more often. It is that these schemes are more sophisticated and convincing, and the old warning signs are becoming less obvious. A fraudulent email now looks polished. A phone number appears familiar. Someone may know your property address, closing date and names of everyone involved in the transaction.

Consumers have to adjust, too. If someone creates urgency or suddenly changes wiring instructions, slow down. Independently verify the information using a phone number you already know rather than one contained in the email or text you just received. Familiar information should never substitute for independent verification.

Minnesota homeowners should also keep an eye on their property records. Counties across the state offer free property-notification services that can alert owners when certain documents involving their property are recorded. I use this type of service for my own home because I want to know if something changes without my knowledge.

There are also new protections worth asking about. Post-closing coverage is available in Minnesota, which can provide protection against fraud and forgery after someone already owns their home.