Scam Alert: Protecting Yourself From Today's Most Common Scams

Scam Alert: Protecting Yourself From Today's Most Common Scams Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and unfortunately, they can happen to anyone. From fake rental listings and fraudulent wire instructions to phone calls, gift card requests, phishing emails, and even people pretending to own property they want to sell, knowing what to look for has become an important part of protecting yourself. On a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, Sharon McNamara, Broker/Owner of Boston Connect Real Estate, and Melissa Wallace, Director of Operations, discussed scams they have encountered both personally and professionally and the warning signs everyone should know. While real estate scams were a major part of the conversation, the message applies well beyond buying and selling a home: when something feels unusual, urgent, or too good to be true, take the time to verify it before taking action. Fake Rental Listings: When a Home for Sale Suddenly Appears "For Rent" One of the situations that prompted the discussion happened right here on the South Shore. A property legitimately listed for sale by a Boston Connect Real Estate agent was copied and advertised online as a rental. The scammer used the home's listing photos and advertised it at a rental price designed to attract attention from people desperately searching for housing. Fortunately, a potential renter noticed several red flags. The advertisement didn't include a complete street address. The person communicating with her wanted to meet at the property or have her complete an application and send a deposit. Rather than continuing, she researched the property, compared the photos to homes actually listed for sale and contacted Boston Connect Real Estate directly. That's when she learned the truth: the property wasn't for rent at all. This is an important reminder for anyone searching for a rental. Scammers don't necessarily need their own photos or even their own property. They can copy photographs and information from legitimate real estate listings and create advertisements that appear convincing. Before sending an application fee, security deposit, first month's rent, or personal information, independently verify the property and the person representing it. Why Scams Work: They Create an Emotional Reaction One theme continued throughout the conversation: scammers frequently use emotions to get people to act before they have time to think. Fear. Urgency. Excitement. Sympathy. Trust. A rental priced far below everything else on the market creates excitement and hope. A phone call saying your bank account has been compromised creates fear. A message claiming a family member is in trouble creates panic. A utility shutoff notice creates urgency. Once someone is emotionally invested in solving the "emergency," they may be less likely to stop and question what they're being told. That's why one of the simplest ways to protect yourself is also one of the most effective: slow the situation down. Be Suspicious of Unexpected Phone Calls Phone scams remain extremely common, and the caller may claim to represent an organization you recognize. During the show, Sharon and Melissa discussed calls involving supposed bank fraud departments, tax or government agencies, Social Security, Medicare, utility companies, purchase verification and package delivery notifications. The safest response to an unexpected call is not to rely on the telephone number or information the caller gives you. If someone claims to be calling from your bank, hang up and contact your bank independently. If someone claims there is a problem with your credit card, call the number you normally use to contact your credit card company. Don't let the caller's sense of urgency prevent you from verifying the situation yourself. Gift Cards Are a Major Red Flag Another story shared during the episode involved an older gentleman who was being instructed over the phone to purchase a $500 gift card and provide the card number to the person calling him. The situation had clearly frightened him. Even when someone nearby tried to warn him that it appeared to be a scam, he believed he had to follow the caller's instructions. Similar scams may involve someone pretendi