Safety Alert: Potential Real Estate Scam
We have been made aware of a potential scam happening in the Cass County area, particularly around Royal Center. IAR Legal is advising that agents do not take listings from unverified companies. If possible, please refer the actual property owner to file a complaint with the Attorney General.
The company is currently attempting to push listings through agents in the Cass County area, and is moving quickly as soon as one agent declines.
I am working on compiling a more comprehensive briefing for you, but wanted to get this alert out as soon as possible to prevent any agent from taking the listing.
As always, if you encounter any harassing or threatening behavior from any buyer or individual, it is advisable to report it to local law enforcement for further assistance.
Please remain vigilant and contact RACI if you have any questions or have a safety concern to share, call us at 765-457-0089.
Safety Alert: Suspicious Buyer
MIBOR has issued a warning about an individual named Leo, Theo, or William who exhibits harassing behavior and insists on working with female agents. They ‘buyer’ is calling from the phone number 908-937-7154 (this number is not found in Forewarn). He rotates between wanting to lease or buy with a price range of $100,000-$300,000. His behavior has been described as harassing.
Remember to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions when working with unknown clients. Don’t forget to make use of the Forewarn* app to help vet unknown clients.
As always, if you encounter any harassing or threatening behavior from any buyer or individual, it is advisable to report it to local law enforcement for further assistance.
If you have a safety concern to share, call us at 765-457-0089.
*NOTE: Forewarn is provided as a member benefit to RACI REALTOR members. MLS Only members can ask their primary Association for this valuable safety tool.
Safety Alert: Unverified Nonprofit
A brokerage recently notified RACI of an unverified nonprofit representative attempting to purchase multiple properties in a potential real estate scheme.
The individual misrepresented himself as an authorized representative of a nonprofit organization and made offers on multiple properties contingent on other listing transactions completing. He could not provide proof of funds or a pre-approval letter to purchase properties. The individuals listed on the nonprofit did not return attempts to verify this individual’s authority to conduct business on behalf of their nonprofit nor on the behalf of an unverified dba nonprofit organization.
The brokerage firm used Forewarn to establish a pattern of suspicious activity that resulted in termination of listing agreement and steps to void an illegal transfer.
Here are some suggested steps to verify validity of nonprofit organization representatives:
- Search for Domestic Nonprofit Corporations on INBiz.
- Verify authority to represent directly with person(s) listed as incorporators or governing person(s).
- The FTC suggests searching online using the non-profit name plus words like “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.”
- Search by both phone number and name using Forewarn app.
Again, the brokerage involved asked RACI to share this with our membership to give others a heads up and to be on the lookout for suspicious real estate schemes. Always double-check things related to money or sensitive information, even if it seems like an extra step or inconvenience.
As always, if you believe you have been subjected to a scam, file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. A consumer complaint can be filed at indianaconsumer.com — or you can contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-382-5516.
If you have a safety concern to share, call us at 765-457-0089.
