2025 Scam Watch for New Texas Homeowners

What type of scams to watch out for

• Utility impostors now push QR/barcodes, crypto, and payment apps. Real companies won’t demand you pay that way. (Consumer Advice)
• Mail-theft & “check washing” are spiking. FBI/IC3 and Postal Inspectors warn to avoid leaving checks in boxes; use the post office or pay securely. Consider USPS Informed Delivery. (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
• Texas solar sales are getting guardrails. As of Sept 1, 2025, residential solar retailers must register with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation—use that to verify door-to-door offers. (TDLR)
• Contract-for-deed / “land contract” traps are under federal scrutiny. CFPB clarified these deals are covered by TILA/Reg Z—useful context if anyone pitches “easy financing” after you buy. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

10 common scams (and how to handle them)

1. Fake “we’re your new mortgage servicer—send payments here” letters
   Legit servicing transfers require written notices from both the old and new servicer (Reg X §1024.33). When in doubt, call the number on last month’s statement—never a number in the new letter. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
2. Deed copy/property profile invoices
   These mailers charge for documents you can get yourself. Your original deed is mailed after recording; extra certified copies come directly from your County Clerk. Don’t pay third-party “document services.” (LSC PagePro)
3. Homestead exemption “processing fee” mailers
   In Texas, the homestead exemption application is free. File through your appraisal district or the Comptroller’s official form—do not pay a private company. (Local note: Erath CAD has a live warning about this.) (Texas Comptroller)
4. Utility imposters
   Threats of instant shutoff + demands for gift cards, crypto, QR/barcodes, or P2P apps = scam. Utilities don’t do that, and they provide multiple notices before shutoff. Hang up and call the utility at the number on your bill. (Consumer Advice)
5. Home warranty “your coverage is expiring” notices
   These look official but aren’t tied to your lender. You’re not required to buy a warranty. If you want one, research actual companies, read sample contracts, and ignore pressure letters. (First Western Trust Bank)
6. High-pressure refinance pitches right after closing
   Unsolicited “we can lower your payment now” offers may come with padded fees or worse terms. If you ever consider a refi, request Loan Estimates from multiple lenders and compare line-by-line (Box A fees, rate, points). (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
7. Solar door-to-door “free panels today”
   Verify the seller. In Texas, residential solar retailers must now register with TDLR (effective Sept 1, 2025). Be cautious with financing claims and get multiple quotes in writing. (TDLR)
8. Title/Deed fraud hype & “title lock” pitches
   “Home title theft” marketing can overstate the risk, but fraudulent recordings do happen. Use your county’s Property Fraud Alert service, where available (e.g., Tarrant County), to get notified if something is filed in your name. (Tarrant County)
9. USPS change-of-address/“redelivery” texts & mail theft
   Smishing texts and fake USPS pages try to harvest info. Sign up for Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail, and avoid mailing checks from outdoor boxes—especially after hours. (Office of Inspector General)
10. Business Email Compromise (BEC) & wire fraud around closings
    BEC remains a multibillion-dollar threat. If anyone emails new wiring instructions, stop—call your title company using a known number. If money was sent, contact your bank and file at IC3.gov immediately. (Internet Crime Complaint Center)

Quick protection checklist

• Verify independently. For any payment or account change, call the lender/utility using a number on your statement—not the message you received. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
• Never pay by gift card, crypto, QR/barcode, or P2P on demand. That’s a hallmark of scams. (Consumer Advice)
• Use official channels. County Clerk for deed copies; appraisal district/Comptroller for homestead. (Texas Comptroller)
• Turn on monitoring. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery and, if available, your county’s Property Fraud Alert. (Informed Delivery)
• Shopping for a refi? Collect and compare multiple Loan Estimates on the same day. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

If you suspect fraud

• Money sent? Call your bank immediately and file with the FBI’s IC3 (their Recovery Asset Team may be able to help freeze funds). (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
• Report scams to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) and the Texas Attorney General. Even if you got suspicious messages but didn’t pay, reports help stop new waves. (Federal Trade Commission)