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IMPOSTER SELLERS - RAMPANT:
Multiple times each week, MAR hears about situations involving fraudulent/imposter sellers who try to sell properties in Maine that they do not own – recent attempts involved properties in Frenchville, Machiasport, Readfield, Monmouth, Rockland and Yarmouth. The seller impersonation fraud/scam most commonly, but not always, involves vacant land listings with no encumbrance and non-local owners.
For prospective sellers who are not physically located near you/the property, ask them to Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime with you for a first meeting – and ask them to show their identification on the screen. While scammers may also have fraudulent identification, they are likely to be unwilling to show their face on a screen. You can use a phrase like, “it’s our office protocol for new customers and clients”. If they’re unwilling, likely a red flag. It is not enough to receive identification via email since scammers are using fake passports and/or drivers licenses.
For potential sellers who are nearby, always schedule first meetings with customers/clients in the office, verify their identity (take a photo of their driver’s license), and introduce them to a colleague.
Use your Forewarn app (a NO-COST member benefit provided by Maine Listings).
- Conduct a reverse lookup of the telephone number in FOREWARN and if it comes back with anything other than the expected person – investigate further.
- Conduct a reverse name search in FOREWARN and call the number(s) provided to confirm the person’s identity and whether they did indeed contact you to list the property.
In addition, you should verify information about the listing property and owner with the town/municipal tax records and the registry of deeds.
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