Scam category
HOA and condo scams
HOA and condo scams exploit the fact that homeowners are conditioned to pay association dues without question. Scammers send fake payment notices, special assessment demands, or management company communications with updated wire instructions. Because real HOA fees are mandatory, victims often pay before verifying.
Category activity
“HOA scam”
↑ 27.3%Watch for
- An HOA notice arrives with new or changed payment instructions you were not told about at a meeting.
- The notice threatens immediate legal action or liens for a payment you do not recognize.
- The email domain or letterhead does not match your actual management company.
Common searches
fake HOA fee notice scam
Homeowners receive official-looking letters or emails demanding immediate HOA dues payment to a fraudulent account, often mimicking their real association's branding.
Always verify payment changes by calling your HOA management company directly using the number on your original contract.
Homeowners
U.S.
fake property management company scam
Scammers pose as a new property management company claiming to have taken over HOA duties, redirecting all resident payments to fraudulent accounts.
Contact your HOA board members directly to confirm any management changes before sending payment.
Homeowners
U.S.
special assessment fraud scam
Fraudsters send fake special assessment notices demanding large one-time payments for fabricated building repairs or community improvements.
Verify any special assessment by contacting your HOA board or attending the next board meeting.
Condo owners
U.S.
fake HOA maintenance vendor scam
Scammers pose as maintenance vendors approved by the HOA, collecting upfront payment from homeowners for landscaping, painting, or repairs that never get completed.
Verify any vendor by checking with your HOA board or management company before paying.
Homeowners
U.S.
HOA board embezzlement scam
A corrupt HOA board member or treasurer diverts association funds into personal accounts, often through inflated vendor contracts or fictitious expenses.
Request annual independent financial audits and attend board meetings to review financial reports.
HOA members
U.S.
condo presale deposit scam
Scammers advertise presale units in condo developments that are either nonexistent or not affiliated with the real developer, collecting reservation deposits that vanish.
Verify the developer's identity through your city's building permit office and state real estate commission.
Property buyers
U.S.
fake HOA lien notice scam
Homeowners receive fraudulent lien notices claiming unpaid HOA dues will result in a lien on their property, demanding immediate payment to a fraudulent entity.
Contact your HOA directly to confirm whether any balance is owed on your account.
Homeowners
U.S.
amenity access fee scam
Scammers contact residents claiming they must pay a separate fee to access community amenities like pools, gyms, or clubhouses, collecting payments for access that is already included in HOA dues.
Check your HOA governing documents to confirm what amenities are included in your dues.
Homeowners
U.S.
fake HOA election scam
Scammers send fraudulent proxy ballots or online voting links to HOA members, harvesting personal information or manipulating board election outcomes.
Verify election communications by contacting your HOA board or management company directly.
HOA members
U.S.
HOA insurance fraud scam
Scammers pose as insurance agents claiming the HOA's master policy has lapsed, pressuring homeowners to purchase individual coverage through a fraudulent insurer.
Contact your HOA board to verify the status of the master insurance policy.
Homeowners
U.S.
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