Let’s be real. Getting a letter or call out of nowhere offering to buy your mineral rights can feel like winning the lottery. The number sounds great. The process sounds easy. The person on the other end seems friendly.
But that’s exactly where a lot of people get burned.
This is your mineral rights scam warning, because in Texas especially, a lot of offers that sound generous are just the start of a shady process that leaves mineral owners with far less than they deserve.
So before you sign anything or cash any checks, take a breath. Here’s what to look out for, how to protect yourself, and how to find legit mineral buyers who won’t waste your time.
The Letter Looks Official. The Offer Sounds Amazing.
You open your mail. There’s an offer to buy your mineral rights. Maybe the number is two, even three times more than you thought your land was worth.
There’s often a deadline. “Sign within 10 days.” There might be a draft deed inside, ready for your signature. It feels legit. But that urgency? That price? That lack of details?
Big red flags.
1. The Offer Is Shockingly High… Then It Isn’t
Scammers know how to get your attention. They’ll throw out a big number early on to get you excited and emotionally committed. Then, after you’ve sent them a signed deed or shown serious interest, they suddenly “discover title issues” or “market changes.”
Now your payment drops by 40 percent. And the worst part? You may already be stuck in a legally binding deal.
2. They Send a Deed Before You've Even Agreed
Legit buyers don’t send you legal paperwork until the price, terms, and timing are agreed upon and you’re working through escrow. Shady buyers, though, mail you a deed right away, hoping you’ll sign without asking questions.
The moment that deed is signed and recorded, they control your mineral rights, even if they never send the money they promised.
3. No Escrow, No Security
If there’s no third party like a title company or attorney holding the funds and documents, stop. A legitimate buyer will always use a neutral third party to protect both sides.
If someone says, “Just send the deed and we’ll wire the money after,” it’s a setup. You’d never sell a house like that. Don’t sell mineral rights that way either.
4. Hidden Fees and Vague Contracts
Pay attention to what’s missing from the paperwork. Are fees spelled out clearly? Is the buyer trying to purchase both mineral and royalty interests with one number? Are there any strings attached to the payment?
If it’s not all on the table up front, assume the worst.
5. No Track Record, No Transparency
A real mineral buyer should have verifiable experience. Ask:
- Have they completed deals in your county?
- Can they explain how they reached their offer?
- Will they give you references?
If the answer to any of these is no, or if they dodge your questions, walk away.
1. The Market Is Private, So Pricing Is Hard to Gauge
There’s no Zillow for mineral rights. No easy way to compare sales. That makes it easier for bad actors to throw out lowball offers, or artificially high ones, without pushback.
2. Most Sellers Only Hear From One Buyer
Many mineral owners get one letter or phone call and think that’s their only shot. They never shop around. And that’s what the scammers are counting on.
3. Time Pressure Works
Some buyers use urgency as a weapon. “This price is only good until Friday.” They want you to skip due diligence and sign fast. The only person who benefits from that? The buyer.
What Real Buyers Do Differently
Not all buyers are out to scam you. The good ones, like Paint Rock Royalty, make it clear from day one that you’re in control.
Here’s how a trustworthy buyer handles things:
- We explain how they calculate the offer
- We welcome your questions and don’t rush you
- We work through escrow or an attorney
- We provide a clean, easy-to-read contract
- We don’t play games with pricing
- We’ve done this before and have real references
At Paint Rock Royalty, we’ve seen too many landowners get burned by fast-talking buyers with empty promises. That’s why we take the opposite approach: clear numbers, fair offers, and no-pressure communication.
How to Avoid Lowball Offers in Texas
1. Know What You Own
Before you even talk to a buyer, verify your ownership through county records or a title company. Many scam letters are sent to people who don’t even own the rights anymore.
2. Get a Real Valuation
Without knowing what your minerals are worth, how can you know if an offer is good? Reach out to a company like Paint Rock Royalty that gives honest evaluations based on real data, not hype.
3. Collect Multiple Offers
Don’t stop at one. Call a few different buyers. Compare prices and terms. Ask questions. See who explains things clearly. You’ll quickly see who’s serious and who’s full of it.
4. Use an Escrow or Title Company
Every legitimate buyer will agree to close through a title company or licensed escrow agent. If they push back on that, walk away.
5. Get Legal Help
A mineral deed is a real legal document. If you don’t understand every word, have an attorney review it. That one step can save you thousands, or even tens of thousands.
What Sellers Say About Working With Paint Rock Royalty
When sellers talk about Paint Rock Royalty, they don’t use fluffy marketing terms. They talk about getting clear answers, not feeling pressured, and being paid exactly what was promised.
One seller said, “I got an offer in 24 hours and never felt like they were trying to rush me. Every question I had, they answered.” That’s the kind of feedback that tells you everything.
We don’t flash big numbers up front and hope you fall for it. We give you real information, make a real offer, and give you space to think it over. That’s how business should work.
You Only Sell Once. Make It Count.
Selling mineral rights isn’t like selling a used truck. You can’t undo it later. And with the number of scams out there, you need to slow things down and be smart about who you trust.
At Paint Rock Royalty, we’re here to make that process safe, fair, and stress-free. We believe in honest deals, not pressure plays.
If you’re thinking about selling, or even just curious about what your rights are worth, reach out today. We’ll give you a free valuation, answer your questions, and let you decide when (or if) you’re ready to move forward.
No games. No pressure. Just real people who know this industry inside and out.
Make the Right Call Before You Sell Your Mineral Rights
When it comes to selling mineral rights, the wrong decision can cost you thousands. Don’t get tricked by big promises or fast-talking callers. Look for a buyer who respects your time, your questions, and your property.
Start with information. Move at your pace. And when you’re ready, make the call that gets you a deal you’ll feel good about.
Contact Paint Rock Royalty today and get the clarity you need to make the right call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a mineral rights offer is legit?
Look for transparency, a written contract, use of escrow, and a buyer with a proven track record. If they avoid questions or rush you, be cautious.
What’s the biggest mistake sellers make?
Signing too fast. Many people accept the first offer they get without shopping around or verifying ownership.
Can I get multiple offers before selling?
Absolutely, and you should. Comparing offers is one of the best ways to avoid getting underpaid.
Should I use a lawyer when selling?
Yes. Even just a one-time contract review can help you avoid costly mistakes or signing away more than you realize.
Is Paint Rock Royalty a direct buyer or broker?
Paint Rock Royalty is a direct buyer. We don’t flip contracts or hide behind middlemen. We buy mineral rights directly and treat you like a partner, not a transaction.
