I got your name from a lender who highly recommended you.

Don't be fooled by the language because scammers are still out there trying to scam Realtors. I had a call this past week from a company looking for an REO listing agent. The lady started out by saying, "I got your name from a lender who highly recommended you from their past experience."

Now, who doesn't want to be highly recommended by others? Right? Of course we do. Real estate is a business that attracts egos of all sizes, and that's fine as along as they don't get in the way of client & customer service. I listed and sold a lot of REOs throughout 2008-2012. So, it could be true, but I was a bit suspicious, so I asked, "Oh really? Which lender recommended me?"

Caller: "I can't tell you."

Me: "Why can't you tell me?" 

Caller: "That's just our policy. But, they said you worked with them in zip code 22604."

Me: "They did? Did we do a lot of business in the 22604 zip code? I'm trying to remember."

Caller: "They were very impressed with your performance in that zip code."

Me: "I'm having a little trouble with your credibility."

Caller: "Why is that? I wouldn't have called you if I didn't have this information."

Me: "You see, my problem is this. Zip code 22604 is our local post office. There are no houses in that zip code."

Click!

No matter how desperate you may be for listings, there are plenty of scammers still out there looking for victims to draw money out of. Don't be one. They always have flaws in their presentation. Pay attention, and have a little fun with them if you've got a warped sense of humor like I have.