Pennsylvania Realtor® warns of text and email scam

A new scam targeting Realtors® is taking place in Pennsylvania.

Patti Rodgers Morrisette, a Realtor® with Long and Foster in Media in Delaware County, said several Realtors® in her office have received text messages or emails from what appears to be a legitimate realtor.com® email or text. However, it is a scam, and it is not from realtor.com®. Morrisette said when she posted in a Facebook group for other local agents, she learned there have been other Realtors® throughout Delaware County that have received similar texts or emails.

“It appears to be from realtor.com® and sends you a buyer lead,” said Morrisette. “The text looks to be real and authentic, but it is not.” She said the texts gives you a link to visit, but it is not a secure site, even though it may appear to be one, and looks similar to the real realtor.com®. The link tells agents they can pay $10 for a $600,000 buyer lead, or a similar lead scenario.

An agent in Morrisette’s office called the phone number the text message came from, and learned it was not realtor.com®.

“We are aware of a new text message scam that impersonates realtor.com®, offering leads and requesting payment. This message is not coming from realtor.com®,” said Christie Farrell, director of corporate communications for Move, Inc. “We do not provide leads via text, and we do not request payment via text. We are working with authorities to investigate the issue. Our customer care team is standing by 24/7 to assist you and to answer any questions you have.”

“As online scams become more prevalent, one recommended best practice is to contact your trusted service provider through a confirmed channel to verify any communication before taking any action,” Farrell added.