We're getting hit hard with members frantic to remove listings when it turned out the "owner of record" who signed the listing is NOT ACTUALLY THE OWNER! We've had reports of this two times in two days so far this week!! :( Here are some helpful tips from NAR.
🚩 RED FLAGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 💡
🚩 "Seller" insists on communicating electronically only, refuses to meet, sign docs, or talk in person. May be hard to understand on the phone or have email addresses or phone numbers from outside the US.
💡 Require an in-person or virtual (video) meeting to see their government issued ID, ask for detailed property tax info and directions to property.
🚩 "Seller" claims to have some emergency necessitating quick cash and wants to price the property below market.
💡 Perform a CMA and send it to the listed property owner independently using the address on the tax record. Overnight it to them, and/or call the using verified phone number listed.
🚩 "Seller" quickly accepts lowball cash offers, or no earnest money or contingencies - all toward a quick closing.
💡 Follow all your normal due diligence steps, don't succumb to pressure from the "seller" to rush things through or skip steps. If a notary is used for signing, independently verify they are legit or ask for a remote online notary of your choice.
🚩"Seller" asks that no For Sale sign be posted on the property.
Scammers STINK! We'll continue to try to keep you informed of what we're seeing, and ask our Members to do the same.