A new scam is targeting real estate professionals using fake social media profiles, specifically Instagram and TikTok, that impersonate agents and promote fraudulent rental listings. Scammers are using real names and photos to appear legitimate, then asking for deposits through apps like Zelle or Venmo.
If you spot an account impersonating you or your clients:
- Notify your broker or manager immediately
- Report the account to the social platform for impersonation
- Document everything and consider filing a police report if needed
If a client is impacted, advise them to contact their bank right away, report the incident, and save all communication.
Read more about the scam here.