We have been advised there are currently fraudulent sellers engaged in transactions, so please be extra careful this holiday season. Here are some tips to help protect your buyers and you.
Require an in-person meeting. Fraudulent sellers avoid in-person meetings by claiming that they are traveling out of state or out of the country. They may have false passports and driver’s licenses that appear to be legitimate. It’s recommended to get a photo of the seller(s) and verify them through other, multiple sources (i.e. the internet).
Things to watch for:
- The “seller” contacts seller’s agent – unsolicited
- The “seller” states that they are traveling out of state or out of the country
- The “seller” only communicates by email or phone
- Typically, the “seller” wants to sell a land lot
Please use extreme caution when working with new clients, especially sellers of vacant land who will only do business over the phone or email.