New MLS Scam Involves Gaining Access to Members’ Accounts

Realtors® and MLS administrators should be on alert for a new scam that affects MLS access.

Recently, an MLS administrator reported receiving an email from someone impersonating a member, requesting that the member’s MLS access email address be changed to one the scammer had set up.

Once the MLS changed the email address, the scammer changed the member’s password and contact information, taking control of the member’s MLS account. And once the scammer had full access to the account, they began posting fake rental listings under the Realtor®’s name, requiring application fees, deposits and other payments.

Since alerting local associations about this illegal activity, two more associations have notified PAR that similar incidents occurred with their MLSs.

Bracken Scott, a member of the Allegheny Valley Board of Realtors®, was one of the first targets of this scam.

“It was strange. My broker called me to ask about a listing in Erie, and then another agent called about a listing in Erie, when I hadn’t posted any listings,” Scott said.

When Scott tried to access his MLS account, he found he couldn’t. “They had changed my email address, password and phone number,” he noted. “A few consumers did reach out to me after searching my name on the internet and contacting me directly.”

“I wanted to make other Realtors® aware of this potential illegal activity. It was stressful. I was concerned that this scammer was illegally taking people’s money using my name,” he added.

PAR Chief Legal Officer Hank Lerner suggests, “MLSs and their members should review current procedures and consider confirming any email requests by calling the number on file.”

Agents are reminded to double-check listings or requests that seem suspicious, such as listings that seem too good to be true or listings that appear off, like out-of-market listings or rentals posted by agents who have never posted rentals before. Other frequent scams recently involve vacant land sales and crypto crimes. Tracy “The Safety Lady” Hawkins shared safety tips for Realtors®.