SAFETY REMINDER: SCAM ARTISTS ARE ACTIVE!
A member has reported to the Association that two women driving a new small black BMW SUV with paper plates "McKenna" came to her open house in the Seal Beach area and while one woman occupied the agent?s attention, the other woman went to another room and attempted to take a handful of jewelry out of a jewelry box. Here is a description of the two women:
Age late 50´s, 5´ tall, 150 lbs, ear length wavy red colored hair, olive skin, wide nose, full lips, slight accent, shabbily dressed in mostly black, flat fabric shoes by SODA; knowledgeable about fine art.
Age mid 30´s, 5.5´ tall, 150 lbs, very long straight dark hair, olive skin, no accent shabbily dressed, in mostly black, sweater with large V neck, small black knitted gloves, used the name Michelle.
Other schemes involved a couple who pretended to be wealthy potential buyers from out of town who would purchase for all cash without financing (to avoid background check). They drove an expensive new vehicle (actually rented for the scam). Once inside the house the "wife" occupied the agent and the "husband" went to another room and copied down personal financial information on the homeowners to steal their identities. A lawsuit against the agent followed.
Agents should always be on guard for their personal safety and mindful of the importance of monitoring the visitors to their clients´ homes. Some tips in the California REALTOR® magazine article on REALTOR® safety are:
* Meet a new client at your office first, not at the property.
* Be sure your office staff has up–to–date information on the make, model, year, and license number of your vehicle, and that they know where you are and who you are with.
* Let the client know that your office knows your whereabouts.
* Take separate vehicles and put your briefcase and purse in the trunk, rather than riding in the client´s vehicle.
* If you are suspicious about a client or feel uncomfortable, listen to your instincts.
* Take another agent with you to show the property.
* Have another person with you during an open house.
* Tell the homeowner to put valuables away.
* Plan ahead for an exit from the home and park where you will not be blocked in by another vehicle.
*Always keep your cell phone and car keys on your person, not in a purse or briefcase in another room.
Books, videos, brochures, research reports and articles on protecting your own personal safety and protecting your clients´ property and personal information can be found on both the California Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® websites.
Emailed from PWR.