Below are posts we distributed about a texting/email scam "from" people you know.
If you're not already doing so, adopt these safety protocols.
January 13, 2020 - E-Newsletter
This scam has hit our market again in recent weeks. You receive an email or text from someone you know (i.e., managing broker, office manager) saying they are in a meeting and need you to purchase gift cards. They ask you to keep it confidential b/c they want to surprise the gift card recipients (i.e., fellow employees). If you fall for it and buy the gift cards, you’re then asked to provide the numbers on the gift cards, which the criminal can then use to buy whatever they want. In short, go with your gut and double-check before making such purchases. Otherwise, you’re out the money, and authorities say tracing from where these messages are coming is very difficult.
October 26, 2018 - Flexmls Login Screen
This scam first popped up in our market about a year ago and in recent weeks has targeted several of our members. . . You receive an email or text from someone you know (i.e., managing broker, office manager) saying they are in a meeting and need you to purchase gift cards. They ask you to keep it confidential b/c they want to surprise the gift card recipients (i.e., fellow employees). If you fall for it and buy the gift cards, you’re then asked to provide the numbers on the gift cards, which the criminal can then use to buy whatever they want. In short, go with your gut and double-check before making such purchases. Otherwise, you’re out the money, and authorities say tracing from where these messages are coming is very difficult.