For the umteenth time it it it looks too good to be true it isn't true.

Joe Pryor has your answer.

We agree with Joe Pryor for the umpteenth time.  LOL

In 25 years I've not come across any real estate fraud. Stupid agents, yes. Outright fraud, no.

If it feels bad, too good to be true, it is a red flag.

Please check the archives here in Q & A, or better yet; ask your instructor.

Always deal locally, never mail the rent money to Africa.

Fraud is defined as: Intentional misrepresentation or concealment of information in order to deceive or mislead. It is a willful intent that is both immoral and illegal. Never sign anything unless you are familiar with the document. Real estate contracts, in particular, are often absolutely crammed with clauses, conditions and terms. It takes time to look everything over and ensure that all additions and amendments have been noted.

Be able to listen and ask the appropriate questions to verify the situation.  Know what you can and can not do.

Why would you document it to be spiteful?  That makes no sense.  Spiteful is done out of malice.  You should document it to protect yourself and your clients.  The best way to document is to put it on a piece of paper that your client physically signs.  People can claim to have not read/received emails or texts.  Docusign can be forged.  Physical signature, that can be proved forensically to tie to the signer if they ever claim they weren't the one signing.

Brian Burkhalter Joe Pryor summed it up nicely.

Being spiteful?  Huh?

It is reported because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Joe Pryor nailed this one!

Offers substantially higher than list price.

Soft seconds.

High appraisals.

Document and notify officials is you suspect fraud.

just do the right thing

If it seems fishy, it probably is.

The #1 Red Flag is a BLUE Face.

You will know it when you see it

Brian Burkhalter - you got it from Joe Pryor ...

Joe Pryor has the answer once again!

I select my clients carefully and do not have a problem with them trying to commit real estate fraud

I always say...research, research and research. If it sounds too good to be true...double time on your research.

Be alert for things that appear too good to be true.

Please go and find these answers in past questions.

 Answers here.

More answers here.

Still more answers here.

Be  honet and follow joe Pryor's advice! Some call it the smell test!

there's very little real estate fraud.... just use common sense and you'll never need to think about it...

One should concentrate on how to do it right then there would not be any red flags. For me if it looks or sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Your senses are the best detector of fraud

I am unsure what you mean by 'being spiteful.'

However, fraud never presents itself wearing a red suit, sprouting horns or carrying a pitch fork. Fraud comes in innocent, seemingly harmless forms.

Undisclosed buyers are a good start. Some cases it legit.

Cash buyers. Some cases it is legit.

Assigns. Some cases it is legit.

Plural same day closings. Some cases it is legit.

Prepayment. Have not seen a legit case of paying ahead. 

Sourced to Zillow. There's the spite.

When people don't give straight answers to simple forward questions is a first flag. After that, ones own diligence (responsibility) needs to kick in.