Farmland Title Fraud on the Rise as Scammers Target Rural Property Owners

RFD News Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen discussed red flags landowners should watch for during property transactions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (RFD News) — Concerns surrounding farmland real estate fraud in the ag sector continue to grow as scammers increasingly target rural landowners across the country.

RFD News farm legal expert Roger McEowen, with Kansas’ Washburn School of Law, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to break down why agricultural property has become a growing target for criminals.

According to McEowen, fraudsters are impersonating landowners and attempting to sell agricultural property they do not actually own, creating major financial and legal risks for farmers and families.

In his interview with RFD News, McEowen explained some of the unique opportunities rural land transactions can create for scammers and shared real-world examples highlighting the risks involved. He also outlined common warning signs and red flags that landowners, buyers, and attorneys should watch for as these schemes continue to appear more frequently across rural America.

READ MORE: Title Fraud Crisis Escalating in Farmland Real Estate — Firm to Farm

Related Stories
New data from ag-tech company Bushel suggests younger producers are beginning to play a larger role in farm decision-making across the country.
CECU President and CEO Jason Altmire discusses rural workforce shortages, technical skills, and why hands-on labor remains critical despite AI growth.
Industry leaders say restored access is a major step forward, though exports remain well below previous levels.
Changes to several Risk Management Agency programs are set to begin with the 2027 crop year.
For farmers, better data may not solve every local rail problem, but it can make service failures easier to document.
Emily Oberbroeckling says producers in northeast Iowa have made strong planting progress while continuing to monitor moisture conditions.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.
Seven McIlhenny Company employees received the Louisiana Honor Medal for their military service.
Low snowpack and rapid melt are heightening irrigation concerns across the West as farmers face falling reservoir levels and strained water supplies.
The operation focuses on seasonal cut flowers while supporting local businesses across the region.
Farmers say weather extremes and rising costs are creating a more challenging season across Georgia peach country.
SC Ranch spans more than 7,700 acres and markets all of its beef within the state.