REALTOR® Safety Alert: Beware of Fraudster Requesting Showing

REALTORS® Beware!

We want to make you aware of a recent incident involving a suspicious individual who contacted a REALTOR® under questionable circumstances.

The person claimed to be a retired veteran and physician with a service animal and expressed interest in a listed property. After a request for a showing, he later provided what appeared to be proof of funds to make an offer above asking price. However, the documents contained inconsistencies — including mismatched names and formatting errors — that raised serious concerns.

Further research revealed troubling information about the individual, and law enforcement has been notified.

The incident serves as a reminder to follow your instincts if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation.  LIBOR encourages all REALTORS® to verify information received from potential buyers or sellers, ask for proper identification consistent with your company’s standard operating procedures, and follow your company’s protocol for REALTOR® safety.

Please be reminded that when attending a listing presentation or appointment with a person you know nothing about or who has made statements or ask questions that make you feel uncomfortable, do not go alone. Instead, arrange to meet the person in a public place. 

If you have to visit or show a property alone, use safety apps or safety solutions to let trusted contacts know where you are and how long you plan to be gone.  Have an emergency number, such as 9-1-1, on speed dial.

Visit LIBOR’s REALTOR® Safety page for comprehensive safety information, tips, and how to access the Real Safe Agent app for free (a LIBOR member benefit).