Buyer Beware: Real Estate Scams on the Rise in Agriculture

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (RFD NEWS) — Real estate fraud is on the rise in the farm sector, with scammers increasingly targeting landowners through new and evolving schemes.

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how producers can better protect themselves and their property from land-related fraud.

In his conversation with RFD News, Stephens outlined key strategies landowners should keep in mind to stay safe from fraud, including increased awareness and careful verification of property-related communications and transactions. He also explained how these scams typically work and the tactics often used to target rural landowners.

Stephens further discussed warning signs producers and land buyers should watch for, as well as steps to take if someone believes they are currently dealing with a real estate scam. He emphasized the importance of acting quickly and verifying all information through trusted sources.

Related Stories
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom joins us to discuss China’s renewed access for U.S. beef facilities, the outlook for exports, and key conversations taking place at this week’s Spring Conference.
The two-year fellowship focuses on developing leadership and policy skills for the next generation of agriculture advocates.
Passing a farming operation to the next generation causes incredibly complex challenges, so estate planners often use the QTIP Trust, a powerful estate-planning tool, to bridge the gap.
Operating debt remains manageable in many areas, but rising non-accrual loans show why careful cash-flow management matters in 2026.
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
The challenge is adoption.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Officials say the tool could give Florida citrus growers another option against a disease that has devastated production for decades.
NCGA President Jed Bower joins us to discuss the House passage of year-round E15 legislation, potential opposition in the Senate, China trade talks, and spring planting progress.
ASFMRA’s Chad Hertz joins us to discuss farmland trends, economic pressures facing producers, and how outside influences are shaping today’s land market.
Scouts say yields are landing close to USDA projections as they monitor drought pressure and abandonment concerns.
U.S. Wheat Associates is expanding into global fish feed markets, with early gains in South America and new opportunities emerging in Ecuador’s shrimp industry.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.