I was contacted by someone who wants to list vacant land for sale, but I suspect that it’s a scam. How do I know for certain and what should I do?

GRAR is receiving reports almost daily now of attempts at the seller impersonation scam in our area. At first, these scams were targeting only vacant land, but we are now starting to hear of second homes being targeted as well.

Therefore, we are urging REALTORS® to vet their new and existing vacant land and second home listings by asking these important questions: • Is the property owned free and clear?

• Did you meet the seller in person?

• Did the seller express a sense of urgency to sell?

• Did the seller seem willing to list the property below market value?

• Did the seller say why they are selling?

• Did the seller express confusion about the selling process?

• Does the seller want to use their own notary? REALTORS® are also being encouraged to do one or more of the following:

• Meet with the seller at the property and request to see two forms of identification.

• If the seller is unwilling or unable to meet in person, conduct a recorded video conference and request that two forms of identification be presented during that session (driver’s license, passport, etc.).

• Request a copy of the closing statement and final title policy form the seller’s purchase of the property.

• Request proof of payment of the most recent property tax bill.

• Send a letter to the address where the tax bill is being sent via overnight carrier or UPS with signature required. This will confirm the seller’s connection to the property.

If you suspect that you have been contacted by a scammer, please email a brief outline of the conversation/experience to Pam at pamv@grar.com. Please be sure to include the scammer’s name, contact information, and any documents that they might have shared with you. GRAR will then forward that information to Tom Cronkright, who is the liaison to the federal agents actively investigating these incidents in our region. Tom forwards each report received to federal authorities who then vet whether to pursue or log as an incident. For that reason, it is helpful if these reports are submitted by email rather than a phone call.