North Dakota Outpaces Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Mississippi and More US States in Winter Real Estate Scams Exposing Major Vulnerabilities in US Housing Market, New Shocking Truth Could Change Everything: Don’t Miss It

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

North Dakota has now outpaced Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Mississippi, and many other U.S. states in winter real estate scams, exposing major vulnerabilities in the U.S. housing market. As winter’s chill sets in, scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners across the nation, with North Dakota experiencing shocking new data that could change everything for property buyers and sellers. These startling statistics reveal just how vulnerable homebuyers can be during the busiest time of the year. North Dakota’s rapid rise in scam rates is a warning to all. Read on to uncover the truth behind this growing crisis.

The winter season brings not just colder temperatures, but also a dramatic spike in real estate scams. Florida, Nevada, and Georgia are the top three states most vulnerable to these deceptive practices, with Nevada leading the charge. With homeowners rushing to close deals before Christmas, scammers are seizing this opportunity to exploit the urgency, resulting in staggering financial losses. This article reveals shocking statistics on winter real estate scams, highlighting the states with the highest rates of fraud, the financial impact on victims, and what homeowners can do to protect themselves. Keep reading to uncover vital information that could save you thousands!

States Most Vulnerable to Winter Real Estate Scams: A Shocking Reality

According to recent findings, Nevada has become the epicenter of real estate scams, leading the country with an alarming 2.64 reports per 100,000 residents between October and December each year. The state’s high rate of fraud is not just a statistic—it’s a real financial disaster. Nevada residents lost over $1.3 million across 86 scam reports during the final quarter of the year. This means each scam costs, on average, $16,108 per victim.

Following closely are Georgia and Florida, with 2.29 and 2.23 reports per 100,000 residents, respectively. These states not only have high scam rates, but Florida is also the biggest financial loser, with residents losing over $7 million in real estate scams each winter. This staggering number highlights how important it is for both buyers and sellers to stay vigilant during the busiest property season.

How Winter Real Estate Scams Target Homeowners

During the winter months, particularly November and December, the real estate market sees a rush of activity. The pressure to close deals before the holidays creates a perfect storm for fraudsters. Scammers often prey on this urgency by offering “too-good-to-miss” deals that seem irresistible. These scams are crafted to make homeowners feel rushed and compelled to act quickly—leading them to bypass essential verification steps.

From phishing emails to fraudulent property listings, the tactics are increasingly sophisticated. Joel Medrano, CEO of PPS House Buyers, warns that real estate fraud is not limited to one area—scammers target all regions, from Nevada to Florida, exploiting the vulnerabilities of homeowners who are eager to settle deals before the New Year.

The Financial Impact: States Losing the Most to Scams

While Nevada tops the list with the highest scam report rate, Florida experiences the most significant financial losses. Between October and December, Florida homeowners collectively lose over $7 million to scams, averaging a loss of $13,847 per incident. The state’s high number of scam reports—2.23 per 100,000 residents—indicates that the risk for fraud is well above the national average of 1.14 reports per 100,000 residents.

Other states like Georgia, Arizona, and Alaska also face significant financial risks, with Arizona victims losing an average of $18,025 per scam. These figures paint a grim picture of the growing threat facing the U.S. housing market during the holiday season.

Top 10 States Most at Risk of Winter Real Estate Scams

Here’s a breakdown of the top ten states that are most vulnerable to real estate scams during the winter months:

1. Nevada – 2.64 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $16,108 per scam.
2. Georgia – 2.29 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $7,440.
3. Florida – 2.23 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $13,847.
4. Alaska – 2.16 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $10,779.
5. Arizona – 2.04 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $18,025.
6. Colorado – 1.62 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $12,754.
7. South Carolina – 1.49 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $11,575.
8. Virginia – 1.47 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $10,072.
9. Missouri – 1.46 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $16,890.
10. Hawaii – 1.45 reports per 100,000 residents, average loss of $13,138.

These numbers show the risk homeowners face across the nation, with significant losses reported in even states that are not traditionally seen as real estate hotspots. Scam victims range from individuals in large cities to those in smaller towns, demonstrating how widespread the issue has become.

The Least-Affected States: A False Sense of Security

While states like Nevada, Florida, and Georgia suffer the most, some states seem to have escaped the worst of the winter scam surge. North Dakota has the lowest scam report rate, with just 0.17 reports per 100,000 residents. However, don’t be fooled—though fewer reports are made, the average losses in North Dakota are enormous, averaging $76,142 per incident. This high loss per scam puts North Dakota in the second-highest spot for financial damage, highlighting the fact that a low number of scams does not always mean low losses.

States like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Rhode Island also report fewer scams, but their financial impact can still be significant. Wisconsin and Iowa report under 0.6 scams per 100,000 residents, yet the losses are still substantial—$6,424 and $8,059, respectively.

Protecting Yourself From Winter Real Estate Scams

The holiday season’s rush and urgency can make homeowners an easy target for scams. To avoid falling victim, PPS House Buyers CEO Joel Medrano advises real estate buyers and sellers to follow strict precautionary steps:

1. Verify all parties involved in the transaction through official channels.
2. Never wire money based solely on email instructions. Always ensure the legitimacy of the recipient.
3. Be cautious of any deal that pressures you to act immediately, especially if the offer seems too good to be true.

In addition, homeowners should be vigilant about any unexpected or unusually urgent communication. Scammers often exploit the season’s busy nature to push victims into making hasty decisions.

Conclusion: Awareness is Key to Avoiding Fraud

Winter real estate scams are a growing problem in Nevada, Georgia, and Florida, but with proper awareness and caution, homeowners can protect themselves. The US states facing the highest risks and losses should serve as a warning to all involved in property transactions this holiday season. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes and ensure your holiday season remains scam-free.