This week, MAAR members have reported several phone and email scams. The outreach messages vary, but include:
- Suspicious listing inquiries, where the interested party won't provide their whole information and wants listing agents to click links to discuss the property.
- Property inquiries from third-party representatives of a client who attach fraudulent files to emails for agents to open.
- Calls from companies claiming they've issued subpoenas to agents. When the agent sought confirmation from the local authorities, they were told the outreach was fraudulent.
It can be challenging to stop and identify scams or attempts to steal your information in the moment, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are a few reminders to help.
- If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- You should work only with prospective buyers and sellers who provide complete, verifiable information.
- Do not open files or click links from someone you do not know.
- Check email addresses before opening files or links, even if they are from someone you know. Hackers can "spoof" email addresses, changing only a letter or two to try to trick you.
- You should always verify legal notices with local authorities before responding to anyone who contacts you directly.
Need more detailed information?
- NAR has several articles on scams that affect real estate professionals. You can scroll through them on their website.
- The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offers many resources to help you keep your data secure online.