Think Before You Click

Scammers are getting sneakier and more creative, and unfortunately the real estate world is one of their favorite places to operate. With the large amounts of money involved in transactions, Realtors, lenders, title companies, and buyers are all attractive targets for cybercriminals.

One scam that’s been popping up lately involves people pretending to be interested buyers who want to tour a home over Zoom. Everything can seem normal at first. They sound legitimate initially, then send over a “Zoom link” to schedule the showing. The problem? It’s not actually a real Zoom link.

Instead, the link leads to a fake website designed to steal passwords or personal information, or even download malware onto your device. Once scammers gain access to someone’s email or computer, they can attempt all kinds of fraud, including wire scams and account impersonation.

Many scammers have attempted to dupe our team, but they are usually easy to spot once you know the warning signs: odd email addresses, pushy behavior, poor grammar, or links that don’t quite look right.

A few simple precautions can help protect you:

• Be cautious with unexpected links.

• Double-check email addresses and website URLs.

• Schedule meetings directly through official platforms.

• Keep antivirus software and devices updated.

• If something feels “off,” it probably is.

Technology makes business easier, but it also gives scammers more opportunities to trick people. Staying alert and taking an extra few seconds to verify a link can save a lot of trouble later on.