The real estate market in destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, where transactions involve large sums of money and multiple intermediaries, has become a target for increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud. In this guide, we explain how cybercriminals operate, what the most common scams are, and how you can protect yourself.
Why is the real estate sector so vulnerable?
The involvement of agents, notaries, trusts, and international buyers, combined with multimillion-dollar transactions, has made the real estate sector an ideal target for digital scams. Here, it's not just information that's stolen: investors' entire assets are put at risk.
The most common fraud: Wire Transfer Interception
Known as Wire Transfer Fraud, this crime occurs when attackers infiltrate email accounts of agencies or law firms to monitor conversations. Just before a transaction is finalized, they send an email impersonating the notary or agent, requesting a change of bank account. The victim transfers the money, and it disappears without a trace.
Other common forms of fraud:
- Scams with fake down payments:Deposits are requested to reserve properties that don't exist.
- Fake social media pages or profiles:These mimic legitimate real estate sites to capture personal data.
- Identity theft:Through fraudulent forms, they obtain data that they then use to apply for credits or loans in the victim's name.
How to Protect Your Real Estate Transactions
1. Always Verify by Phone
If you receive new payment instructions, do not reply to the same email.Call your official contact directly using a verified number.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Everyone involved—agents, buyers, notaries—should use 2FA on emails and document management platforms.
3. Never Use Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Avoid checking sensitive emails on open networks, such as those in airports or hotels.
4. Spear Phishing Training
Agency staff must be able to identify fraudulent emails that appear urgent or authoritative.
Warning Signs
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Pressure to transfer money urgently
- Lack of documentation or evasive responses to verification requests
- Suspicious links sent via text message or email
Best Practices for Buyers and Sellers
✅ Verify the property in the Public Registry of Property
✅ Inspect the property and documents in person
✅ Always browse official websites by typing the URL yourself
✅ Use trusted and certified platforms
✅ Report any attempted fraud to your bank and the cyber police
In an increasingly risky digital environment, trust is no longer enough:it must be accompanied by active cybersecurity. Adopting best practices and staying informed is key to protecting not only your data, but also your assets.
Investing in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit remains an excellent decision. But today, more than ever, investing in security is investing in peace of mind..
