You were smart and "reacted" well.  Thanks for the post.  We need to be cautious, a potential paycheck is not worth even a small risk.

I think you definetly did the right thing. I am the same way and if I miss a sale oh well, I'm still alive to find another one.

I've learned so much about safety from reading AR stories like this.  Thanks for letting us know what's going on out there.  I am changing my own practices to be safer.

Virginia - Your are right about risk and reward--and that was weighted a little too heavily on the risk side of the equation.

You did the right thing.  I think you should follow your gut in those situations.  If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Megan - So true--no sale is worth putting your life in danger.

Elaine - I'm glad you're implementing policies to increase your safety.

Amy - Believe, me I was listening!  Stay safe.

Very smart move!  We absolutely have to be cautious of any stranger that we may come in contact with.  We have a very public career, but our safety has to be one of our top priorities.

Jim & Maria - Thank you for the comment and concern.  You're right--our information is out there for the world to see, and once in awhile it get into hands we would prefer to avoid.

Go with you feeling, and stay safe, thanks for the reminder to keep safety at the top of your mind.

Mary, it is tempting in this slower market to try and capture every lead, but sometimes the potential reward is not worth the risk involved.

Please re-post this to the Realtor Safety group.  The site is:  http://activerain.com/groups/Athrinemtthews.

There are some other stories there as well.  Be careful out there.

Maybe you didn't hear from him because your colleague did.  Glad you were smart about it, and sorry the other agent was not.

We all need to be cautious and not get greedy.  Follow proper procedure and stay safe.

Yikes, Patricia, I hope not.  She works an hour away from me, but anything is possible.  Soon we'll be taking DNA samples before we show prospective buyers properties.

Susan - Thank you for the suggestion.

Thanks for the reminder! It's tough to live your life that way, but you have to be aware and suspicious...and listen to that little voice! It's so sad to hear a story like this one, but if it makes us think twice, it needs to be told! Thanks for sharing.

Norma, glad you are cautious. I work with a gentleman agent.  We show almost all Internet customers together on the first visit.  Customers on the Internet, read our info, quickly answer and often don't even leave a salutation or their own name.  They can be very legitimate customers just in a techy hurry, but it's a scary world.  Open houses are an issue too.  I think your post is a great reminder to us all just to be aware.

Elaine - I'm still shocked when I hear of another agent being attacked, but from a criminal's viewpoint, it's a perfect opportunity. 

Annette - I'm sure you feel much safer with your co-worker.  Most of my clients are either past clients or referrals, so when a "perfect stranger" calls I gather as much information as possible before showing property.