When a Real-Estate Deal Looks Too Good to Be True: How John Rowan Helped Uncover a Scottsdale Title Fraud

A real estate deal in Scottsdale nearly turned into a nightmare for the unsuspecting homeowner who had no idea his property was up for sale. What looked like a routine cash listing turned out to be an elaborate fraud, stopped just in time thanks to the instincts of experienced Scottsdale agent John Rowan.

The case, reported by 12News, shows how fast title fraud can unfold — and how quickly it can be stopped when the right professionals are involved.

According to 12News, it all started when two women approached Rowan about listing a home in Scottsdale. The pitch was simple: the property was inherited, the sellers wanted cash, and they were ready to move quickly.

That urgency, paired with inconsistent communication, raised red flags for Rowan immediately.

“That was odd that everything was happening very, very fast,” he told 12News.

Even stranger, the person listed on the deed wasn’t speaking directly with him. Instead, all conversations were routed through a “friend” who avoided his requests for a phone call or meeting with the “seller.”

In the luxury market, it’s not uncommon for sellers to prefer privacy. But Rowan had seen enough deals to know when something didn’t feel right.

Rowan escalated the issue to his title company. That move was critical.

According to 12News, after a deep dive into the paperwork, the title officer discovered the deed had been forged. The “seller” had no legal connection to the property at all. The true owner, in fact, had never listed the home for sale — and only learned of the scheme because of a title alert from the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office.

Rowan and the title team immediately contacted police. What happened next confirmed their suspicions — and shut the whole operation down.

Scottsdale Police coordinated a sting at the title company’s office, where the fake sellers were scheduled to finalize the sale. According to the 12News video report, the suspects showed up expecting a payday. Instead, they were confronted by the police. (Watch the full report on YouTube)

Both women fled the building but didn’t get far. Officers arrested them in the parking lot. They now face multiple felony charges, including forgery, fraud, and attempted theft of a property valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

While the plot sounds like something out of a movie, it reflects a real — and growing — threat in today’s real estate market. Title fraud has surged nationally, often targeting second homes, rental properties, and vacant residences.

Sophisticated scammers comb public records to find homes with high equity and absentee owners. Then, using forged documents, they try to transfer ownership and cash out before anyone notices.

According to authorities, Arizona has seen an increase in these schemes, particularly in competitive areas like Scottsdale. And while county systems now offer digital alerts for deed changes, those alerts only help after a document has been recorded.

This case never made it to the closing table — and that’s thanks to a few key moves:

• Agent experience: Rowan spotted warning signs most buyers wouldn’t recognize, like inconsistent seller behavior and reluctance to provide identification.
• Title scrutiny: His title company went beyond a routine check and verified the authenticity of the deed.
• Immediate reporting: When the fraud became clear, both the agent and title officer acted fast, coordinating directly with police.

Without that chain of action, the property could have been transferred to a fraudulent buyer, leaving the rightful owner in legal and financial chaos.

If you’re buying or selling a home, particularly in a high-demand area, awareness is your first line of defense. Fraudsters are becoming more creative — and more aggressive.

• Work with licensed agents who are trained to identify fraud.
• Use a reputable title company with a track record of thorough verification.
• Sign up for county title alerts, especially if you own unoccupied or investment property.

What nearly happened in Scottsdale could have been a disaster. Instead, it turned into a powerful example of what happens when expertise meets vigilance.

John Rowan brings more than market knowledge to every transaction — he brings an unwavering commitment to protecting his clients’ interests. Whether you're buying your first home, selling an investment property, or managing a complex deal, John navigates each step with precision and integrity.

If you're considering buying or selling in the Scottsdale area, reach out to John Rowan today. His hands-on approach, combined with a sharp eye for detail, means you can move forward with confidence — even in a fast-moving market. Don’t leave your investment to chance. Partner with a professional who understands the stakes.