Increase in Brokers trying to Practice Real Estate with Lapsed Licenses?

Geez Louise!  In the past week, I have had two colleagues report that within days of closing they learned the opposing Broker had let their license lapse. Of course, both deals crashed.

What is happening in other locations?  Are we (Realtors) now to verify that every broker we have contact with is active?  What about the clients? Do the clients have the responsibilty to verify the Broker they hire is legitimate? (Of course, but how many Buyers / Sellers actually do this - the Colorado DORA site is not really user friendly.)

Comment please.