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 pretending to be a grandchild, police officer, employer, family member, or another trusted person.
Businesses can also be targeted. The Boston Connect team discussed fraudulent messages appearing to come from someone within an organization asking an employee to purchase gift cards for a client or business purpose. The request may seem believable precisely because it appears to come from someone the recipient knows.
If you're unexpectedly asked to purchase gift cards and provide the numbers, stop and independently contact the person or organization supposedly making the request.
Email Scams Can Be Especially Dangerous During a Real Estate Transaction
Real estate transactions can involve large sums of money, multiple parties, attorneys, lenders, agents, deposits and closing proceeds. That makes them particularly attractive targets for fraud.
One of the most concerning examples discussed on the show involved someone gaining access to communications surrounding a real estate closing and creating an email address that appeared to belong to someone involved in the transaction.
The fraudulent communication attempted to change how closing proceeds would be delivered. Fortunately, a phone call between the parties exposed the problem before the transaction went further.
The lesson is extremely important: never assume that payment or wire instructions sent through email are legitimate simply because the email looks familiar.
If instructions suddenly change or you're asked to send money somewhere you weren't expecting verify the request using a trusted phone number you already have.
Look Closely Before Clicking
Phishing emails and text messages can look remarkably convincing.
Before responding, ask yourself:
- Does the sender's actual email address match the company or person they claim to represent?
- Is the greeting unusually generic?
- Are there spelling or grammatical errors?
- Is the message creating unnecessary urgency?
- Are you being asked to click a link unexpectedly?
- Does the request differ from what you previously discussed?
During the show, Melissa emphasized the importance of establishing expectations ahead of time when legitimate electronic communication will be used. A phone conversation confirming what will be sent can make it easier for clients to distinguish an expected communication from an unexpected one.
Vacant Land Can Be a Target, Too
Scams aren't limited to houses and rentals.
Sharon also shared an experience involving someone who contacted her claiming to own vacant land and wanting to list it for sale. The person claimed important ownership documents were unavailable and communicated through email.
There was one major problem: Sharon happened to know the actual property owner.
She independently contacted the owner's family and confirmed the property was not supposed to be for sale.
The discussion highlighted why verifying ownership and identity is so important, particularly with vacant land and absentee owners. A scammer may specifically target property that appears to have had little activity for years.
Technology Has Changed the Scam, but Not the Warning Signs
Artificial intelligence, social media, text messaging, email and other technology can make fraudulent communication look and sound more convincing than it once did.
But many scams still depend on the same strategy: getting someone to act quickly before they verify what's happening.
Protecting yourself often comes down to a few simple habits:
Slow down. Urgency is often intentional.
Verify independently. Don't rely solely on the contact information supplied in the message.
Don't send money because you're being pressured. Especially when someone unexpectedly requests gift cards, deposits or a wire transfer.
Don't click unexpected links. Go directly to the company's website or account instead.
Look beyond the display name. Examine the full email address and other details.
Ask someone you trust. If something doesn't feel right, getting another person's perspective can make all the difference.
Work with professionals you know and can verify. This is especially important when renting, buying or selling real estate.
Your Instincts Matter
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons from this episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable is the importance of trusting that feeling that something isn't quite right.
The potential renter who called Boston Connect could have ignored her concerns and sent a deposit. Instead, she researched the property, compared information and made a phone call.
That extra step may have prevented a financial loss.
Scams can happen to people of every age and background. Being targeted doesn't mean someone wasn't intelligent or careful. These schemes are deliberately designed to create believable situations and emotional reactions.
Awareness and a willingness to stop and verify can be one of your best defenses.
At Boston Connect Real Estate, protecting and educating our clients is part of guiding them through the real estate process. Whether you're searching for a rental, purchasing your first home, preparing to sell, or questioning a communication you've received regarding a transaction, don't hesitate to ask questions.
Sometimes one phone call can prevent a very expensive mistake.
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