Commission members warn of land‑conveyance scams and rising AI‑assisted fraud targeting brokers

Commissioners raised concerns about a nationwide pattern of land‑conveyance fraud and growing AI‑assisted scams that target real estate agents and brokers.

Members described a scheme in which fraudsters use public records to identify absentee owners, purport to be sellers and solicit agents to list property; commissioners said at least one fraudulent conveyance and subsequent construction occurred in Fairfield. The commission noted that town clerks, title companies and attorneys are already scrutinizing records more closely, and some municipalities now offer deed‑monitoring services to notify owners of attempted transfers.

A practicing agent broker told the commission that phishing solicitations and suspicious links have multiplied: "Every time I list a new property, I get 10 to 20 to 30 solicitations," the broker said, adding that many solicitations carry suspicious attachments or Zoom links that could compromise systems. The broker warned that with AI it will become easier to replicate voices and likenesses, increasing the risk that agents will be deceived in email, phone or video contact.

Commission discussion emphasized prevention through coordination: title companies, town clerks and lawyers are tightening procedures; commissioners suggested continued outreach to those entities and to state regulators (CTR was mentioned as an entity that should help with awareness). Several members proposed voluntary education (elective continuing‑education seminars or quarterly broker briefings) to raise awareness among agents, particularly part‑time and older agents who may be less familiar with digital scams.

The commission closed by asking staff to collect examples of fraudulent emails and solicitations and to continue interagency engagement so that clerks, title companies, attorneys and brokers can coordinate protective measures. No formal rulemaking or regulatory action resulted from the discussion at this meeting.

The commission adjourned after asking staff to return with updates on outreach and any measures that could be taken to help brokers and the public detect and report land‑conveyance and AI‑enabled fraud attempts.