Fraud Alert

Protect Yourself from Scams - Important Tips

At Becca Travis Real Estate Inc., we care about your safety and want to help you avoid scams. Here are some important tips to protect yourself:

  1. Job Scam Alert: Be cautious of fake job offers posted on third-party websites or sent through unsolicited emails claiming to be from Becca Travis Real Estate Inc. We do not operate in this manner, and it could be an attempted identity theft. Always verify job postings on our official website, beccatravis.com.

  2. Contractor Scam: Watch out for scammers posing as representatives of our "Preferred Contractor" program. They may offer exclusive contracts and promise to feature your business on materials distributed by our agents. Remember, we do not engage in such solicitations. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

  3. Fraudulent Wiring Instructions: Beware of hackers stealing email addresses and sending fake wiring instructions to homebuyers and tenants. Always personally verify wire instructions by calling the relevant parties using phone numbers obtained independently, not from suspicious emails. Don't rely on email instructions, even if they appear to be from someone you know.

  4. Rental Property Scam: Exercise caution when dealing with rental properties. Scammers may pose as Becca Travis Real Estate Inc. representatives, offering high-quality apartments at low costs. They may request deposits through wire transfers, often claiming the landlord is unavailable. Be wary of such requests and verify any transactions directly with our office using the contact information on our website.

Remember, if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it's important to exercise caution. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams.

Here are some tips to help you avoid such scams:

  • KNOW THE PERSON YOU ARE SENDING MONEY TO - you receive an email from a Becca Travis Real Estate Inc. Sales Associate with payment instructions, call the requesting office using the phone number located in our Office Search.

  • CRAIGSLIST, FACEBOOK AND SIMILAR SITES ARE NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and DO NOT handle payments, guarantee transactions or provide escrow services.

  • USE CAUTION WHEN GIVING OUT FINANCIAL AND OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION VIA EMAIL OR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS (bank account number, credit card number, social security number, etc.)

  • AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

  • These types of scams often claim that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before withdrawing your money - this is FALSE, once you've wired money, it is GONE.

  • PROPERTY/APARTMENT LISTING MAY BE LOCAL, but landlord/owner is "travelling" or "relocating" and needs you to wire money to them abroad.

Most scams involve one or more of the following:

  • Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country.

  • Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee."

  • Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consummating transaction.

Who should you notify about fraud or scam attempts?

  • FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)

  • FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)

  • Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501

  • Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov)

  • Non-emergency number for your local police department.

  • The government agency in your country responsible for dealing with fraud

Thanks in advance.

BTREG

becca@beccatravis.com