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Florida REALTORS\u00ae alerted its 164,000 members Monday to an apparent phishing scam in their state after receiving inquiries from several members about \u201cinvoices\u201d they\u2019d received from the \u201cFlorida Board of Realtors<\/a>,\u201d an organization that does not exist.<\/p>\n Read more<\/strong>: Security Firm Issues Fraud Warning to Agents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n REALTORS\u00ae have reported receiving a \u201cfinal notice\u201d bill from the fictitious entity seeking payment of $225 and stating that their real estate<\/a> licenses are in jeopardy for failure to comply. \u201cIt\u2019s a scam,\u201d says Margy Grant, general counsel for Florida REALTORS\u00ae. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not a simple scam. High-tech criminals put a great deal of work and planning into this.\u201d<\/p>\n The scam came to light over the weekend when agents, brokers, and association executives started calling Florida REALTORS\u00ae. Many submitted copies of a letter that, on first glance, looks to be legitimate. The \u201cMake check payable to:\u201d address appears to be a post office in Deerfield Beach, Fla.<\/p>\n The notice includes a website, floridaboardofrealtors.org, that also looks credible and professional. \u201cHowever, most of the links don\u2019t work. Blogs in their \u2018archive\u2019 appear to stretch back a few years, for example, but no content comes up when you click. The same is true for many other links,\u201d says Grant.<\/p>\n The state and several local associations have told members to ignore the demands, but are asking brokers and agents to spread the word about the scam. Anyone who has sent a check is advised to cancel it immediately.<\/p>\n Florida REALTORS\u00ae is investigating and is in contact with authorities at the state\u2019s attorney general\u2019s office.\u00a0The National Association of REALTORS\u00ae is also looking into the matter. \u201cBe vigilant. Be safe. And tell everyone you know,\u201d adds Grant. \u201cCriminals created a truly impressive fake website, sent a complex fake letter, and successfully alarmed REALTORS\u00ae across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n No other states have reported similar scams, but REALTORS\u00ae are urged to report any suspicious mailings to trademark@realtors.org.<\/u><\/p>\n \u2014Wendy Cole, REALTOR\u00ae Magazine<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [ad_2]\n
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